Golf fans react as Anthony Kim accepts LIV Golf wildcard in Jeddah
Anthony Kim fans rejoice as the three-time PGA Tour winner is confirmed as a LIV Golf player.
Greg Norman has confirmed Anthony Kim will make his long-awaited return to action at LIV Golf Jeddah this week.
Kim, 38, has reportedly penned a contract with the Saudi-bankrolled LIV Golf League and will receive a small cash bonus despite not joining a team.
The former US Ryder Cup star will be teeing it up in his first tournament in 12 years.
LIV Golf CEO Norman confirmed the news on Monday 26 February, four days before the start of LIV Golf Jeddah.
Related: 10 things to know about Anthony Kim
How will Anthony Kim get on at LIV Golf Jeddah?
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) February 26, 2024
The three-time PGA Tour winner will compete at LIV Golf Jeddah as a wildcard.
That means Kim has not been assigned a team but will compete in the $25m prize purse event in Saudi Arabia as an individual.
Check out Kim's intro video, which was posted by Norman on Twitter.
"Witness the dance of redemption," a voice says on the video.
He oozes incredible talent. The world has seen it in the past and now it is an honour as Commissioner of LIV Golf to give the opportunity for this star to be reborn. Welcome back and to the LIV Golf family mate. The golf world has missed you. pic.twitter.com/WurNOUkVmw
— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) February 26, 2024
Norman tweeted:
Confirmed: Anthony Kim makes LIV Golf debut in Saudi Arabia
Throwback to how pure Anthony Kim’s swing was
pic.twitter.com/gH2zz1RwpM— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 24, 2024
Here's how a number of excited golf fans reacted to the news of AK's arrival on LIV:
LIV were reportedly keen on having Kim play in their events but were reluctant to stump up huge money given he hasn't played in years.
PGA Tour or LIV?! Golfers reveal where they'd rather watch Anthony Kim
Kim was an electric talent in his junior years. He won three times on the PGA Tour and starred in the Ryder Cup for the U.S. at Valhalla in 2008.
That included leading Paul Azinger's side in the Sunday singles and obliterating Europe's record points scorer Sergio Garcia 5&4.
But he disappeared from the game completely and hasn't played in a professional golf event for more than 12 years.
There have been fleeting appearances of Kim over the years and infrequent swing update videos published across social media.
The infrequent swing updates has led to intense speculation that he was eyeing up a return to the game.
What followed was absolutely nothing and with each passing year his legend has grown.
He has been described as golf's Yeti and most famous recluse, a man of mystery and one of the biggest 'what-ifs'.
It was expected he was going to rise to superstardom just like Tiger Woods.
The widely assumed explanation is that Kim cashed in on an insurance policy worth $15-20m after struggling with injuries.
Had he continued his career on the PGA Tour that would have been voided. It has also been speculated he didn't enjoy Tour life.
What do you make of AK joining LIV Golf in 2024? Are you excited to see him back on Tour? How will he get on at Jeddah? Share your thoughts and comments over on the GolfMagic social media channels.
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
