Anthony Kim brutally honest after finishing dead last on return to golf with LIV
Anthony Kim has his return to the world of men's professional golf with LIV was 'rough' but he believes there are positives to take away.
Anthony Kim says his return to the world of men's professional golf with LIV Golf was 'rough' but he believes there are positives to take away.
Kim, 38, made a surprise return to the game at LIV Golf's third event of 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
His inclusion into the field came after weeks of frenzied speculation that he was making a comeback 12 years after his last appearance.
Kim became a mythologised figure in the game, earning a cult-like status among golf fans.
It is widely assumed Kim cashed in on a mega insurance policy payout after injuries curtailed his career.
He walked away aged 26 with three PGA Tour titles, a birdie record at Augusta National along with Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup victories.
Kim has yet to tell us his 'story', but LIV's posterboy Greg Norman hinted that the golfer was in a 'dark place'.
That was before his wife Emily came into the picture and reignited his love for the game, Norman said.
For his part, Kim has promised to tell us where he has been 'when the time is right'.
He did send a dagger to the rest of the competition ahead of this pay-for-play comeback, promising to beat 'everyone's ass'.
Technically, Kim did not finish dead last as Matthew Wolff withdrew at the start of the second round, citing illness.
Kim finished 11 strokes behind Hudson Swafford, who came 53rd, in the 54-man field.
Across the week, Kim returned scorecards of 76, 76 and 74 for a 16-over par total.
"Obviously it was a rough week, I'm excited to be playing professional golf again," Kim told LIV's broadcast after his round.
"I feel very blessed to have this opportunity [and] I have a lot to work on but I had a lot of good things go my way this week
"So I'm looking forward to building on that and being in contention at some point this year."
Kim's next appearance will be in Hong Kong over 8-10 March.
What positives can he take away from his comeback?
"I'm definitely hitting the ball well," he said.
"I know the scores don't reflect that and it's disappointing to score that way but at the same time I know I have a lot to build on so I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.
As mentioned, it appears Kim has his wife to thank for pushing him over the line and making a return.
Earlier in the week, Kim did tell a reporter that being a father is 'all I am'.
"It means everything[to have them here]," he added.
"I wouldn't be here without them. I just feel so extremely blessed that I have this opportunity to create memories with my family.
"Everyone at LIV has been first class and I feel honoured to be part of this organisation and moving forward I'm looking forward to representing them well."
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