After an absence of 12 years, the former golf prodigy Anthony Kim is set to make a highly anticipated return to the sport. Once dubbed the ‘next Tiger Woods’, Kim is confirmed to feature as a wildcard at LIV Golf’s upcoming Jeddah event from March 1-3. The announcement was officially made by Greg Norman, the commissioner of the Saudi-backed golf organization.
Norman expressed his admiration for Kim’s exceptional talent and conveyed his delight at affording Kim the opportunity to revive his career. The golfing community has eagerly awaited Kim’s comeback, and his fans have sorely missed his remarkable presence in the sport. This is undeniably a momentous occasion for both Kim and the LIV Golf family.
In the late 2000s, Kim’s rapid rise in the golfing world drew comparisons to the legendary Tiger Woods. His meteoric ascent and exceptional skill set positioned him as a standout talent, capturing the imagination of golf enthusiasts globally. However, Kim’s aspirations to emulate Woods were abruptly disrupted in 2012 when he suffered a debilitating Achilles injury, compelling him to step away from the game for over a decade.
Despite receiving a substantial insurance payment following surgery, the terms of the agreement stipulated that Kim would need to retire from professional golf to qualify for the financial benefits. This, along with his relentless pursuit of recovery, prevented him from returning to the sport for twelve years.
The apex of Kim’s career was in the 2008 season, where he secured victory in two prestigious PGA Tour events and achieved a commendable tied-seventh finish in The Open Championship. His outstanding performance propelled him to a career-high ranking of World No. 6, showcasing the magnitude of his talent and potential. Notably, he came tantalizingly close to clinching victory in the 2010 Masters, finishing an impressive third in the tournament.
Kim’s unwavering admiration for Tiger Woods has always been evident, with the former aspiring to mirror the latter’s remarkable legacy in the sport. His profound respect for Woods, both on and off the golf course, demonstrates the impact that the golfing icon has had on Kim’s career and personal life.
Despite the significant challenges he faced, including the constraints of his insurance policy, Kim’s determination has prevailed, paving the way for his triumphant return to the sport at 38 years old. With the expiration of the terms of his insurance agreement, Kim is now free to pursue his passion for golf once again. In preparation for such significant moments, LIV Golf has allocated two wildcard spots for all 2024 events, allowing talented golfers like Kim to showcase their skills on the esteemed breakaway tour.
In addition to Anthony Kim, former PGA Tour member Hudson Swafford has also been granted a wildcard spot, signifying LIV Golf’s commitment to providing opportunities for deserving and accomplished golfers. Kim’s return to LIV Jeddah marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and it is with great anticipation that fans await further updates on his participation in future events. The golfing world eagerly anticipates the renaissance of Anthony Kim as he prepares to reignite his illustrious career on the grand stage of LIV Golf.