Former US Ryder Cup star Anthony Kim is reportedly weighing up a shock return to golf, twelve years after he walked away from the game following injury.
Golf.com are reporting that the 38-year-old has spent the last few months in discussions with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He is apparently increasing the intensity of his workouts, practicing heavily and is feeling confident about his game.
A potential stumbling block could be an insurance policy from Kim’s playing days, now worth an estimated $10 million that would be voided if he returned to competitive golf.
LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman, has made contact with Kim over joining the Saudi backed tour.
Kim could resume his professional career immediately should he return to the PGA Tour. He would be eligible for events through his ‘past champion’ status while he would have no shortage of sponsor exemptions.
Should Kim sign with LIV, he may not actually join a team, despite being floated as a possibility to join Jon Rahm’s team. Kim is also unlikely to tee it up in next week’s season opener in Mayakoba but could potentially play as a wild card going forward.
Should Kim join LIV and perform well, he could earn himself a spot on a team in 2025.
Kim’s last appearance came when he was 26 years old playing the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship. He withdrew from that event after the opening round, citing injury. It was his third consecutive WD. He disappeared shortly thereafter and he’s hardly been heard from since with several sightings being reported over the years.
Kim was an outstanding young talent when he was in his pomp, winning three Tims on the PGA Tour between 2008 and 2010 while he also registered top-5 finishes at the Masters and Open Championship.
His one Ryder Cup appearance came in 2008 at Valhalla where he beat Sergio Garcia in the Sunday singles as Paul Azinger’s side beat the Europeans.
Kim also set a Masters record in 2009 where he made 11 birdies in a second round of 65.
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