Staff WriterAnthony Kim pushed hard for a fairytale return to LIV Golf, and the opening lines of his week suggested he might just pull it off. Anthony Kim arrived at Riyadh Golf Club looking like a man ready to rewrite the script, but by Sunday afternoon the charge had cooled. No drama, no excuses — he simply ran out of runway.
The 40-year-old walked into the ninth and final stop of The International Series knowing exactly what was on the line. Win the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, claim the 324 points, finish inside the top two, and punch a ticket straight back to the 2026 LIV Golf League. Anything less? Back to the wilderness.
He threw everything at it.
A Start That Turned Heads
Kim opened with a four-under 67, backed it up with a sizzling 64, and suddenly the galleries in Riyadh were whispering about a comeback tale worth bottling. After 12 years out of the game and the loss of his LIV wild card at the end of the 2025 season, this was the sharpest he’s looked since the resurrection began.
Heading into the final round four shots adrift of co-leaders Caleb Surratt and Dean Burmester, Kim kept himself in the fight. The ball-striking was crisp, the swagger was almost vintage, and for a moment the story looked set to write itself.
But golf doesn’t bend just because the sentiment is good.
Close, But Not Enough
The putts dried up, the small errors crept in, and the late charge stalled. A one-under final round left him tied fifth on 14 under — his best finish since stepping back inside the ropes but not the miracle he needed.
“Obviously frustrating to not score better than I did. I had a lot of chances the first 11 holes but didn’t make enough putts. Then I just made a couple of unforced errors at the end there,” Kim said afterwards.
“Obviously very frustrating. I’m sure when I’m back on the flight home, I’ll feel better about it. Just disappointed with the last two rounds.”
Straight talk from a man who knows exactly where his game stands.
LIV Futures Decided
While Kim missed out, others seized their moment. Former Iron Heads GC player Scott Vincent took the title and with it a return to LIV Golf next season. Japan’s Yosuke Asaji locked down the second qualifying spot, edging ahead of Miguel Tabuena, who finished agonisingly one place short after throwing everything he had at the weekend.
Meanwhile, the league’s future talent came out swinging. Fireballs GC youngster Josele Ballester fired a brilliant closing 65 to finish three clear of Surratt, securing his maiden professional win and making it clear he belongs on the big stage.
What Kim Takes Home
It wasn’t the ending he wanted, but it was a sign: Anthony Kim is no longer a nostalgia act. He’s contending. He’s dangerous. And if he sharpens the flatstick, there’s every chance the next chapter hits a little harder.
