Get ready for some exciting news in the world of golf! Anthony Kim's comeback story takes an intriguing turn as he joins Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC for the remainder of the 2026 LIV Golf season.
In a thrilling announcement on February 12, 2026, the 4Aces GC revealed that Anthony Kim, a former Wild Card player, will now be a full-time member of their team. This move comes just before the start of the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament, marking Kim's first appearance in the 4Aces lineup.
Kim, a veteran golfer, has been on a remarkable journey since rejoining the professional circuit in 2024 after a 12-year hiatus. Despite being relegated last season, he fought his way back into a full-time position at the recent LIV Golf Promotions, securing one of the three qualifying spots.
"I'm thrilled to join the team and contribute to its success," Kim said at The Grange Golf Club. "This is a fresh start, and I'm eager to make a positive impact."
But here's where it gets controversial... Kim's spot as a Wild Card will be filled by Miguel Tabuena, a player from the Philippines who finished third in last year's International Series rankings. Tabuena is the first player from his country to compete in LIV Golf, adding an international flavor to the team.
At 40 years old, Kim is coming off his best result in 25 LIV Golf starts, a tie for 22nd at the ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh. After shaking off the rust from his extended break, his recent performances suggest he's back in top form.
In November, Kim tied for fifth at the PIF Saudi International, his first top-10 finish since returning. He followed that up with a third-place finish at the Promotions event and carried the momentum into the season-opening tournament in Riyadh, where he shot a final-round 6-under 66, moving up nine spots on the leaderboard.
"We're thrilled to have AK on board," Johnson said. "He's on an upward trajectory, and it's impressive to see him bounce back after such a long break from the game. I've played with him enough to know that his skills are still there, and he's been working incredibly hard. I believe he'll be a valuable addition to the team."
Kim steps into the role left vacant by Patrick Reed, who has shifted his focus primarily to the DP World Tour. Chris Rosaasen, the 4Aces General Manager, explained that they considered various replacement options. Last week in Riyadh, the team utilized Tabuena as a reserve player and finished third, largely due to the strong performances of their Belgian players, Thomas Pieters and newcomer Thomas Detry.
Kim's performance in Riyadh was seven shots better than Tabuena's. Had Kim been in the 4Aces lineup, the team would have tied for second.
After arriving in Adelaide, Rosaasen and Johnson decided that Kim was their top choice. They met with Detry and Pieters to get their insights, and the feedback was positive.
"We've been following Kim's journey since he joined the league two years ago, and his progress has been impressive," Rosaasen said. "We initially thought our team was set for the season, but then we had to reconsider. Dustin and I explored various options, and we even made offers to other players, but those deals fell through. Ultimately, we decided that Anthony was our best choice."
And this is the part most people miss... Kim's addition to the team is not just about his skills on the course. It's about the unique team environment that LIV Golf offers. After spending the last two years largely on his own, Kim is excited to be part of a team again.
"I've always been a lone wolf, but I've enjoyed the few team experiences I've had," Kim said. "I'm super excited about this opportunity and looking forward to spending time with these guys."
Johnson believes that the support and camaraderie Kim will experience as part of the 4Aces will accelerate his return to the form he displayed during his most successful years from 2008 to 2010, when he won four tournaments.
"He's been doing everything on his own, but being on a team and playing with me and the Thomases will be a huge boost," Johnson explained. "It's exciting to see him improving, and all the hard work he's put in is starting to pay off."
Kim's addition to the 4Aces seems like a perfect fit. The club dominated the inaugural 2022 LIV Golf season, winning five out of eight events, including the first Team Championship. They exuded confidence and swagger as the league's first dominant club.
"It's funny how social media speculation often turns out to be true," Rosaasen said. "When we read the comments, many people predicted that Kim would be the next Ace. At the time, we weren't thinking along those lines, but after discussing it with Dustin, we realized that Kim has what it takes."
Pieters, one of the team's key players, had an interesting insight. "Anthony has performed on the biggest stages and proven that he has that special something in his veins. We considered some young, newly turned professionals, but none of them are proven yet. Anthony, on the other hand, has been a Ryder Cup star and has won multiple times on the biggest stages. Some people just have it, and he definitely does."
While Kim's comeback is on an upward trajectory, he knows there's still room for improvement.
"I've turned a corner in terms of playing better golf, but I'm not at my peak yet. I believe I'm on the right path, but I still have a way to go to reach my full potential. I'm optimistic about the rest of the year and my career."
As Kim embarks on this new chapter, the golf world eagerly anticipates his performance as a full-time member of the 4Aces GC. Will he help the team maintain its dominance in LIV Golf? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts on Kim's addition to the team? Do you think he'll be a valuable asset? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
