Former Ryder Cup Champion Fires Back at Critics After Securing Spot in LIV Golf League

Anthony Kim, a former Ryder Cup winner, has responded to online criticism after reclaiming a wildcard spot for the 2026 LIV Golf League. Kim, who was part of the victorious 2008 US Ryder Cup team and won three PGA Tour events before the age of 25, took a 12-year break from professional golf due to injury before joining LIV Golf in 2024. Following a challenging comeback season, Kim lost his place after failing to earn a point from 13 starts in the 2025 campaign, forcing him to participate in a LIV Golf Promotions qualifier to regain his spot. Kim advanced through the second round at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida and impressed over the weekend, securing the third and final wildcard spot from a 78-man field. "I'm not here to prove everyone wrong, I'm here to prove myself right," Kim stated. "I've had tremendous support behind me all year, and I'm grateful to be back on this stage." Kim, who reached a career-high world ranking of sixth, had fallen outside the top 1,800 until a tied-fifth finish at the PIF Saudi International in November, having previously battled addiction. "I wouldn't say there have been any highlights in my comeback yet," Kim said. "I'm working on those. In today's world, there are many negative people, but I'm glad I can prove them wrong." Kim added that he found faith in rehab and sobriety, which gave him the strength to persevere. "This is a surreal moment for me because many people doubted me. I'd be lying if I said I didn't wonder if I'd ever earn my way back. To those who don't think I belong, they can be silent now." Kim will compete alongside Canada's Richard T. Lee and Sweden's Bjorn Hellgren, who also secured wildcard spots. The 2026 LIV Golf League season begins with the LIV Golf Riyadh event in Saudi Arabia from February 4-7, followed by tournaments in Adelaide and Hong Kong. Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, has reapplied for PGA Tour membership after leaving LIV Golf, while notable players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith remain part of the league.