Anthony Kim is showing signs of playing like the Anthony Kim of old.
On Saturday, at Black Diamond Ranch, he sank a 15-foot par putt at 18 that circled the cup to shoot a bogey-free 66, along with South Africa’s Oliver Bekker and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond. and sits T-2 behind leader Richard Lee of Canada (64) heading into the final 18 holes of the 36-hole shootout to return to full-time status in the league.
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“Took a little bit more time to grind on it and hit a great putt, and luckily it went in,” he said.
Kim, 40, who played as a LIV Golf wild card the past two seasons following his return to competitive golf after a 12-year retirement, was just 1 under through 12 holes Saturday. But he made consecutive lengthy birdie putts at the 13th and 14th holes and birdied the par-5 16th.
“I made two putts from outside of 10 feet, which felt like a mile,” he said. “I need to make a few more putts tomorrow. But if I do that, I should be in good shape.”
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More: Field set for LIV Golf Promotions event, 3 spots in league up for grabs
Jan 10, 2026; Lecanto, Florida, United States; Anthony Kim hits from the first tee during the third round of the LIV Golf Black Diamond Ranch golf tournament at Black Diamond Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images
Kim wouldn’t even be in this position had he not made an 8-foot birdie putt on the 18th on Friday to make the cut on the number. He carried over those good vibes on the back nine Saturday.
“I know that if I play well, I can play with the best in the world. I’ve been working up to that, and obviously, my results don’t show that. But I know where I am. I’ve played at a high level before. I expect to play there again,” he said. “That’s the only reason I’m working so hard.”
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The reward for the top three finishers is potentially career-changing – guaranteed LIV Golf wild-card status for 2026. In addition, the top 10 and ties earn exemption into the Asian Tour’s International Series.
“I think the discipline that I’m showing this week and the last couple tournaments is why I’m starting to play better. Not losing my mind and thinking about all the negative, but just focused on the next shot and what I can do to prepare for that next shot,” he said.
Kim has struggled mightily to regain the form that made him a winner on the PGA Tour and a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team before injuries led to an early retirement. Now, he’s on the verge of regaining a place to play next season.
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“That’s what I asked for coming into this week, and put myself in good position. Now I’ve just got to go finish,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Anthony Kim close to clinching full-time LIV Golf status