The LIV Golf League has welcomed three new players for the 2026 season through wild card entries. The exciting announcement followed a high-stakes tournament held at Black Diamond Ranch, where Richard T. Lee, Bjorn Hellgren, and Anthony Kim showcased their skills over the weekend.
Key Players Securing Wild Card Entries
- Richard T. Lee – Canada
- Bjorn Hellgren – Sweden
- Anthony Kim – USA
Richard T. Lee
At 35 years old, Richard T. Lee stands out with six professional wins. His most recent victory was at the 2025 Woori Financial Group Championship. Lee has primarily played on the Asian Tour and earned the Asian Tour Rookie of the Year title in 2013.
Bjorn Hellgren
Bjorn Hellgren, also 35, boasts eight professional wins, including a triumph at the Saudi Open presented by PIF in December. He finished sixth on the 2025 Asian Tour Order of Merit and previously topped the Swedish Golf Tour Order of Merit in 2015.
Anthony Kim
At 40 years old, Anthony Kim has made a remarkable return to professional golf after a 12-year hiatus. He has three PGA Tour victories and was part of the successful 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team. His comeback has been inspiring, especially considering his near brush with mortality just three years ago.
Weekend Tournament Highlights
The tournament marked a critical moment for the three players, who battled through a competitive field at Black Diamond Ranch. Lee finished first with a score of 64-65 (129/-11), followed by Hellgren at 70-64 (134/-6) and Kim at 66-69 (135/-5).
Final Leaderboard
| Position | Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richard T. Lee | 64-65 (129/-11) |
| 2 | Bjorn Hellgren | 70-64 (134/-6) |
| 3 | Anthony Kim | 66-69 (135/-5) |
| T4 | Lucas Bjerregaard | 67-70 (137/-3) |
| T4 | Sarit Suwannarut | 69-68 (137/-3) |
With their wins, the top three players earned exemption to The International Series on the Asian Tour, providing additional opportunities for competitive play.
Impact of LIV Golf on Players
The 2026 LIV Golf season promises to elevate the competition level, featuring some of the sport’s greatest minds. Players like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Phil Mickelson will challenge newcomers like Lee, Hellgren, and Kim.
Lee expressed excitement about the increased competition, stating he needs to improve his game to keep pace. Meanwhile, Hellgren highlighted the life-changing aspect of joining LIV Golf, while Kim reflected on the personal significance of continuing his career after overcoming serious health issues.
