LIV Golf: How Kim’s Caddie Found Success Through Golfing Synergy
- Anthony Kim's return to professional golf has been defined by resilience, culminating in a significant victory at LIV Golf Adelaide 2026.
- The collaboration between Kim and Bennett began following a split between Bennett and golfer Danny Lee.
- Kim's proposal was straightforward regarding the potential working relationship.
Anthony Kim’s return to professional golf has been defined by resilience, culminating in a significant victory at LIV Golf Adelaide 2026. Behind the American golfer during this resurgence is caddie Grant Bennett, a former competitive golfer who has established a strong working dynamic with Kim following a brief trial period. The partnership marks a stable chapter in Kim’s career after a 12-year hiatus from the sport.
Establishing the Partnership
The collaboration between Kim and Bennett began following a split between Bennett and golfer Danny Lee. In 2024, Bennett and Lee parted ways after three LIV Golf events together. During this period, Kim was seeking a new caddie following the initial phase of his comeback, during which his friend Ryan Todey carried his bag. Todey vouched for Bennett, leading to a direct phone call from Kim while Bennett was in Dallas.
Kim’s proposal was straightforward regarding the potential working relationship.
Hey, I’m looking for a caddie. Let’s do a three-week trial and see how it goes.
Anthony Kim
Bennett’s first week working with Kim took place at LIV Golf Hong Kong in 2025. Despite Kim not playing well during that initial event, the pair found themselves in sync quickly. Following their first round together, Kim sent a text message to Bennett confirming the arrangement.
The job’s yours if you want it.
Anthony Kim
Bennett accepted the offer immediately. The former Wichita State University golfer noted that their compatibility was evident early on.
We were thinking about golf the same way. We get along so well off the golf course, too. That just makes things super easy.
Grant Bennett
On-Course Dynamics
The operational dynamic between Kim and Bennett on the course is characterized by shared perspective, particularly when reading greens. Bennett explained that they often visualize putts similarly, which streamlines their decision-making process during competition.
He kind of likes when we’re reading greens. We both read the putt and then he says, ‘You see this?’ We see things very similarly, so more times than not we pretty much see the same thing.
Grant Bennett
For Kim, the decision to retain Bennett was influenced by the caddie’s work ethic and attitude, even during periods when Kim’s performance was still developing. Kim recalled that he could tell Bennett would work hard regardless of the scores.
I just felt like we were thinking about golf the same way. I was still not very good, but I could tell that he was going to work hard regardless of if I played good or not. Not everyone has a good attitude every day they come to the course, and that’s all I needed to see … It was a pretty easy decision.
Anthony Kim
Bennett’s Background
Before linking up with Kim, Bennett pursued a playing career after competing for Wichita State University. He earned conditional status for the PGA Tour Canada in 2017. However, Bennett explained to the Bounce Back Bogey podcast in 2024 that his hopes of making his name on the circuit fizzled out due to the cost of uprooting to play on it. Bennett also noted that he was a talented hockey player before turning to caddying.
Bennett began his caddying career with Danny Lee in the fall of 2020 during Lee’s PGA Tour days, following him to LIV Golf before their split in 2024. Regarding his current role with Kim, Bennett has expressed satisfaction with the arrangement.
I can make a little bit more cash doing this, and I’m having a good time.
Grant Bennett
Kim’s Comeback Context
Anthony Kim’s career features two distinct phases separated by a significant absence. In the early part of his career, Kim won three PGA Tour events between 2008 and 2010 and represented his country in the 2008 Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup the following year. Early in his journey, he was helped by caddies including Eric Larson and Brodie Flanders.
Kim underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon in 2012, which was initially assumed to keep him out for between nine and 12 months. However, that window passed without his return. It was not until February 2024 that Kim was revealed as a wild card signing for LIV Golf. His victory at LIV Golf Adelaide 2026 marked his first win since returning to professional golf after a 12-1/2 year absence. During that event, he overtook 54-hole co-leaders Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Following the win, Kim celebrated with his wife Emily and daughter Bella on the 18th green. In interviews surrounding the victory, Kim emphasized that his return was about more than just sporting success.
It wasn’t about golf. It was about setting goals, being resilient and overcoming obstacles in your life. To my own fault, I made a lot of bad decisions.
Anthony Kim
Kim noted that overcoming his situation required dealing with challenges head-on. He also commented on the public reaction to his return and success.
It’s been amazing, the love and support I’ve gotten. I’m motivated by negativity, so it’s been very weird.
Anthony Kim
The stability provided by Bennett in the bag coincides with Kim’s improved form and emotional resilience. As Kim continues his campaign on the LIV Golf circuit, the partnership established during the 2025 season remains a central component of his team.