Anthony Kim recorded his first top 10 in 14 years as young Spaniard Josele Ballester won his first professional title at the Asian Tour’s Saudi International.
Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner, finished Saturday at 14 under par in a six-way tie for fifth place at Riyadh Golf Club, his first top 10 since the 2011 Singapore Open.
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The former American Ryder Cup player, now 40, recorded his best result since returning to the game in 2024 after a 12-year exile caused by multiple injuries, addiction and mental health problems.
“It’s obviously frustrating not to score better than me,” said Kim, who started Saturday’s final round four shots behind the leaders, only to finish eight behind Ballester after a score of 70-under.
“I had a lot of chances in the first 11 holes, but I didn’t make enough putts. I’m sure when I fly home I’ll feel better.”
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Ballester, 22, won the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship and turned professional in June this year, signing for the Saudi-backed LIV Tour instead of the PGA Tour’s second-string Korn Ferry Tour.
He started the first day behind leaders Caleb Surratt and Dean Burmester, but had an advantage at the turn and came home with a six-under 65 to win by three at 22-under par.
American Surratt finished second with a score of 19 under, while South African Burmester was two shots further back in third.
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“It’s been a great last few months. It’s been a lot of learning,” Ballester said.
“When I joined LIV, I wasn’t playing very well and it was a learning process.
“I had to get better. It was really cool to see that in such a short time I improved so much and can compete at the highest level.”
The tournament was the final event of the Asian Tour’s high international series.
Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent tops the final rankings to book a return to LIV Golf next season.
Japan’s Yosuke Asaji claimed the other LIV spot up for grabs after finishing second in the standings.
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