Anthony Kim, a fan favorite who was compared to Tiger Woods in the early 2000s, may be returning to professional golf after more than a decade. Growing rumors indicate that Kim could take a spot in the field at LIV Golf Jeddah beginning March 1.
Multiple sources who closely follow the happenings at LIV Golf are reporting that Anthony Kim has reached an agreement with the circuit to play in LIV Golf Jeddah, the third event of the 2024 season. Kim would be taking one of the two wild cards the circuit is working with.
Recall that LIV Golf had to expand its field from 48 to 54 players to accommodate the 13th team, Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII. It was then necessary to create the “wild card” to complete the field with two players who do not represent a team, so they play as free agents.
One of these wild cards was given to Hudson Swafford for the entire season, while the other was given to Paul Casey for the first two events of the season (Mayakoba and Las Vegas). If the rumors are true, the latter would be the wild card given to Anthony Kim.
Anthony Kim played on the PGA Tour between 2007 and 2012, winning four times at this level and achieving other outstanding results, including a brilliant performance in the 2008 Ryder Cup. At Valhalla, Kim contributed 2.5 points in four matches to the American victory, including a singles win over Sergio Garcia.
In 2010, Kim suffered the injury that ultimately ended his career. He continued to play and even won his last tournament in 2011. In 2012, however, he underwent surgery and was unable to return to professional golf.
Why take a chance on Anthony Kim?
Despite the fact that it has been 12 years since his early retirement, Anthony Kim still attracts a lot of attention and fans. This may be the secret behind his reported deal with LIV Golf.
Should his presence at LIV Golf Jeddah (or any other event on the circuit) materialize, Kim’s athletic contribution to the show is an unknown. Reports indicate that he has been practicing and has looked good, but the truth is that he has not competed at a high level in 12 years.
For Kim, the situation is a win-win. The alleged deal could bring him back to the sport that brought him worldwide recognition, in a circuit that guarantees him at least $50,000 in each tournament ($50,000 is the payout for finishing last in each LIV event). There is no doubt that this is a very attractive opportunity.