Anthony Kim Joins 4Aces GC for 2026 LIV Golf Season
In a surprising yet exciting development in the world of professional golf, Anthony Kim has officially joined Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC team for the remainder of the 2026 LIV Golf season. The announcement came just ahead of the opening round at LIV Golf Adelaide, marking Kim's debut in the team's lineup. This move signifies a major step for the 40-year-old American, who has been on a remarkable comeback trail since re-entering the sport after a 12-year hiatus.
Kim's Journey Back to the Fairways
Anthony Kim's story is one of resilience and redemption. Once a rising star on the PGA Tour, Kim last competed in 2012 before stepping away due to injuries and personal reasons. His return to competitive golf in 2024 via LIV Golf's Wild Card program was met with curiosity and skepticism. Over the past two years, he's shown steady improvement, grinding through 25 starts to rebuild his game.
Kim's recent form has been nothing short of inspiring. At the season-opening ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh event, he fired a final-round 66 to climb nine spots and tie for 22nd—his best finish in the league. This momentum carried over from a third-place showing at the LIV Golf Promotions event in December, where he secured his full-time spot. Earlier, in November 2025, Kim notched a tie for fifth at the PIF Saudi International, his first top-10 since returning. These results signal that the 'old AK'—the fiery competitor from his prime—is emerging once more.
From Lone Wolf to Team Player
Kim has often described himself as a 'lone wolf' in golf, thriving in individual battles but now embracing the team aspect of LIV Golf. 'To be perfectly honest, I’ve been kind of a lone wolf my whole life,' Kim said at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide. 'I think that’s why I enjoyed the few chances I got to be on a team. Super-excited about this opportunity. I want to be around these guys and looking forward to the rest of the year.'
This transition couldn't come at a better time for 4Aces GC. The team, captained by two-time major winner Dustin Johnson, has been a consistent contender but faced a roster shake-up with Patrick Reed's departure to focus on the DP World Tour. Last week in Riyadh, 4Aces finished third, bolstered by strong showings from Belgians Thomas Pieters (T4) and Thomas Detry (7th). Kim's seven-shot edge over reserve player Miguel Tabuena in that event highlighted his potential value—had he been in the lineup, the team might have tied for second.
The Team's Perspective and Strategic Fit
Dustin Johnson, no stranger to high-stakes team environments, is bullish on Kim's addition. 'We’re super-excited to have AK join the team,' Johnson remarked. 'Obviously, he’s trending in the right direction. When you take that long from the game, it takes a while to get it back. But I’ve played enough with him, and you can tell it’s still in there. He’s been working really hard, and I think he’s going to be a really good addition.'
4Aces General Manager Chris Rosaasen echoed this enthusiasm, detailing the decision-making process. After Reed's exit threw a 'curveball' into their plans, the team evaluated multiple options, even extending offers to other players. Ultimately, Kim stood out. 'We’ve been following his journey for the past two years since he came into the league, and he’s been trending upwards,' Rosaasen explained. Input from teammates like Detry, who was paired with Kim in Riyadh, and Pieters, a longtime admirer, sealed the deal.
Filling the Wild Card Void
With Kim moving to a full-time role, Miguel Tabuena steps in as the new Wild Card. The Filipino golfer, who finished third in the 2025 International Series rankings, becomes the first from his country to compete in LIV Golf. Tabuena's inclusion adds international flavor and depth to the league's reserve pool, ensuring competitive balance.
Kim's Legacy and LIV Golf Impact
Looking back, Kim's pre-retirement career was electric. He was the sparkplug of the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team, pairing with Phil Mickelson for key wins and defeating Sergio Garcia in singles to set the tone for America's victory at Valhalla. That explosive style—marked by clutch putting and bold plays—could inject fresh energy into 4Aces, a team known for its star power but occasionally criticized for inconsistency.
Analysts see this as a win-win. For Kim, the team support in LIV Golf's unique format—where individual and collective scores count—could accelerate his resurgence. No longer grinding solo, he'll benefit from shared strategies, practice rounds, and the camaraderie that Johnson fosters. For 4Aces, Kim's upward trajectory addresses a gap left by Reed, potentially elevating them in the standings as the season progresses through events like Adelaide and beyond.
In the broader LIV Golf landscape, Kim's move underscores the league's appeal to redemption stories. Since launching in 2022, LIV has attracted big names with its lucrative format and team emphasis, drawing players from traditional tours. Kim's integration into 4Aces could inspire others eyeing comebacks, while boosting the event's profile in Australia—a key market for the tour.
What's Next for Kim and 4Aces?
As LIV Golf Adelaide tees off under the lights at The Grange, all eyes will be on Kim's integration. Can he replicate his Riyadh magic in a team setting? Early indicators suggest yes: his aura on the course, from walking in birdies to mentoring younger teammates, is already farming positive vibes. With Johnson at the helm, Pieters' precision, Detry's consistency, and now Kim's grit, 4Aces could be primed for a championship push in 2026.
Kim's excitement is palpable: 'This is a new chapter and hopefully I can benefit the team.' For fans in Australia and around the world, it's a chapter worth watching—one that blends nostalgia, grit, and the promise of golf's evolving future.
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