Get ready for some thrilling golf action as we dive into the LIV Golf Promotions event! The race for wild card spots is heating up, and Canada's Richard T. Lee is leading the charge.
In a thrilling three-day battle at Black Diamond Ranch, Lee has emerged as the hottest golfer, putting himself in a prime position to secure a wild card for the upcoming 2026 LIV Golf season. But here's where it gets controversial...
Anthony Kim, a former LIV Golf wild card player, is also in the hunt. He found his groove on the back nine on Saturday, moving closer to regaining his full-time status in the league. The final 18 holes on Sunday will decide it all, and the stakes are high!
The top three finishers will earn a life-changing opportunity - guaranteed wild card status for the 2026 LIV Golf season. And this is the part most people miss - the top 10 players and ties also gain exemption into the prestigious Asian Tour's International Series. Talk about a double whammy!
Lee, with his impressive bogey-free 6-under 64, has a two-shot lead going into Sunday. But he's not taking any chances. "I won't be comfortable with this lead," Lee said. "I'll just focus on my game and keep my hat on."
Kim, who was just 1 under through 12 holes on Saturday, made an incredible comeback with consecutive birdie putts. He knows the importance of this opportunity, especially after making the cut on the number on Friday. "I want to play against the best, and this chance means a lot to me," Kim shared.
Other contenders include Oliver Bekker from South Africa and Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand, who are tied for second. Lucas Bjerregaard from Denmark is also in the mix, with five other players lurking close behind.
Bekker, who was part of the inaugural LIV Golf field in 2022, is excited about the prospect of returning as a full-time member. "I should have played more events back then," he reflected. "But I'm grateful for this chance now."
Janewattananond, a former top-50 world player, is still going strong at 30. He understands the significance of these wild card spots, which would give him the freedom to choose his tournaments and provide security for his family.
Bjerregaard, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, sees this as a career-changing opportunity. "It's either this or retirement for me," he said. "It would mean a lot."
Although Lee has played exceptionally well, leaving just two spots for the rest of the field, the competition is fierce. The top three players after Sunday's final round will claim their spots, and the leaderboard is tightly packed.
So, who will secure their place in the 2026 LIV Golf season? Will Lee maintain his lead, or will Kim or one of the other contenders pull off an upset? Tune in to find out! And don't forget to catch the live broadcast on FOX Sports channels in the U.S., with the final round airing from 10 am to 3 pm ET on FS1.
For those who want to dive deeper into the stats, here are the leaders in various categories after Round 3:
- Driving distance: Danthai Boonma (297.0-yard average)
- Longest drive: Danthai Boonma (319.0 yards on the 3rd hole)
- Driving accuracy: Bjorn Hellgren (92.86% or 13 of 14)
- Greens in regulation: Richard T. Lee (94.44% or 17 of 18)
- Scrambling: Oliver Bekker, Anthony Kim, and Richard T. Lee (100% or 5 of 5)
- Fewest putts: Jeunghun Wang (25)
- Bogey-free rounds: Richard T. Lee and Anthony Kim
What do you think? Who will emerge as the wild card winners? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss and celebrate the excitement of golf together.
