Max Kennedy’s hopes of a career-changing LIV Golf contract came crashing down at the final hurdle at the LIV Promotions Event at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida.
After successfully navigating the first two rounds, a one-under-par 71 after the scores were reset for the final 36 holes left Kennedy tied for sixth going into the final day, three shots off the third-place-finish required to earn a place on LIV and on course to earn one of the 10 exemptions into the Asian Tour’s International Series events for 2026.
But after parring his opening two holes, a disastrous triple-bogey-seven on the third hole, followed by bogeys on five and eight left him with a mountain to climb. Two birdies and three bogeys over the closing 10 holes left him in 21st place overall, meaning he’ll be competing on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2026.
Canadian Richard T. Lee declared his intent to remain aggressive as he took a two-stroke lead into the final round, and true to his word, the 35-year-old three-time Asian Tour winner did exactly that, shooting the second lowest round of the day and making his only bogey of the 36 holes on the 17th when the top spot and one of the three cards were all but assured.
Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren’s six-under 66 was the best score on the day, and it lifted him into solo second place at -6, five behind Lee.
The story of the week, however, was Anthony Kim. The 40-year-old holed a crucial 12-footer on the 18th hole in round two to make the final cut, and followed up with rounds of 68 and 71 to finish third overall and earn his way onto the circuit having been thrown a career lifeline and ending his 12-year absence from professional golf.
“Yeah, there’s a ton of satisfaction. A ton,” Kim said. “I’m sure I’ll understand that all that work has really shown this week, maybe later tonight when I’m drinking an iced tea.
“But yeah, it means a lot to me because three years ago, doctors had told me that I potentially had two weeks to live. So just to be here standing in front of you guys is a blessing. I’m so grateful that God has given me this opportunity to showcase what I’m best at, and hopefully I’ll be holding a trophy soon.”
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