International Series could be golden LIV ticket for Anthony Kim, if he can find his game
Anthony Kim cards a one-under 69 in opening round of International Jakarta Championship, with immediate return to elite league in his sights
The next month could well decide the winner of the International Series rankings and with it a new member of LIV Golf, or if Anthony Kim has his way, provide an immediate return to the league.
Kim was one of six players relegated at the end of the 2025 season, but with playing rights has five of the Asian Tour’s elevated events left to overhaul the likes of Lucas Herbert and Scott Vincent at the top of the points list.
That he does not yet have a single point to his name meant the need for a fast start at the Jakarta International Championship on Thursday; what he got, though, was the story of his season – some rather average golf interspersed with flashes of brilliance.
A one-under-par 69 left him six shots adrift of early leader Suteepat Prateeptienchai, who ended a first round delayed by rain and ended prematurely by darkness a stroke clear of Roberto Lebrija, Wade Ormsby and Chang Wei-lun with their matching six-under 64s.
“My game has been very streaky,” Kim said. “I’ve had some stretches where I feel like a world-class player, and I’ve had some stretches where I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. But that comes with not playing golf for 12 years.
“I’m at a point now where I feel more comfortable being out there, and I think great results are in front of me. As long as I can stay healthy, I believe that I’ll have a lot of chances to win in the future.”