Anthony Kim earns LIV Golf return then sends defiant message to his critics

Anthony Kim is back, and he’s not coming quietly.

Once written off as one of golf’s great “what ifs”, the three-time PGA Tour winner has completed a jaw-dropping comeback by blasting his way back onto the LIV Golf League for 2026 — before firing a very public warning shot at his haters.

Kim carded a closing 69 at LIV Golf Promotions to finish 5-under par, crucially good enough for solo third and one of just three golden tickets into next season’s LIV Golf League.

Mission accomplished. Message sent.

Only the top three finishers at Promotions earned wildcards on LIV Golf in 2026, and while Canada’s Richard T. Lee earned the trophy with an emphatic five-shot win on 11-under, and Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren surged into second thanks to a stunning final-round 64, it was Kim who owned the headlines.

Because this wasn’t just a qualification — it was a statement.

Now 40, Kim had been relegated from LIV Golf at the end of 2025 after spending two seasons as a wildcard. It was another setback in a career that has been anything but smooth since he vanished from the professional game for 12 long years amid serious injuries and personal struggles.

But golf’s ultimate comeback kid wasn’t done yet. Far from it in fact. 

Kim rolled back the years at Promotions, showing flashes of the fearless ball-striker who once terrorised the PGA Tour and starred for the United States in both the Ryder Cup (2008) and Presidents Cup (2009). 

And when the dust settled Sunday, he had done it the hard way — earning his spot back onto LIV Golf, not being handed it.

Standing on the 18th green with his daughter in his arms, the emotion was obvious. The smile said it all. Then came the fire.

“I’ll be back soon and I’ll be winning golf tournaments soon,” Kim said, moments after securing his LIV Golf card for 2026. 

And then he really let rip.

Taking aim at his loudest critics online, Kim didn’t mince his words: “I’m glad I earned my spot so everyone can stop talking s***.”

It didn’t stop there.

“There’s so many negative people out there,” Kim added in his post-round press conference. “Unfortunately I love hearing all the negativity — but I’m glad I get to throw this in their face.”

Watch Kim's comments in full below:

Later, he twisted the knife even further on social media, posting on X: “Thank u GOD, my family, close friends & every1 that continue2 support me. 2 the keyboard warriors SUCK IT.”

Classic AK. No filter. No apologies.

Kim’s stunning return has already drawn praise from some of the biggest names in the game. 

LIV Golf star and six-time major champion Phil Mickelson was quick to applaud the comeback, calling it “inspirational”.

“AK gets his life back and now his golf game is back,” Mickelson wrote. “He’s on LIV Golf for 2026. Congratulations! Truly inspirational.”

Tiger Woods’ former coach Hank Haney also weighed in, adding: “Congratulations Anthony Kim, you worked your ass off and totally earned your spot, proud of you!”

PGA Tour pro Billy Horschel also sent his congratulations to Kim on X.

After years of doubts, rumours and setbacks, Anthony Kim is officially back where he believes he belongs. 

And if his latest message of defiance is anything to go by, he’s only just getting started.