LIV Golf pro goes after the haters: "People are laughing, doubting, criticising..."
Anthony Kim has revealed more information about why he decided to snub the PGA Tour and play for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
Anthony Kim has addressed his critics as he revealed what was going through his mind before he joined the breakaway LIV Golf League.
Speaking to the Fairway to Heaven podcast, the 39-year-old said he had three options before he put pen to paper on what is assumed to be a lucrative contract.
Those were:
- Return to the PGA Tour
- Play LIV Golf
- Continue his life away from the public eye
"After a few conversations with LIV and the PGA Tour I was leaning towards not playing again," Kim told the pod.
"But my wife was like, 'Who is ever going to get this opportunity again?'
"I had financial benefits from both sides, that's no secret.
"I had different sponsorship opportunities whether I played the PGA or LIV and I still have different opportunities.
"I've turned down more opportunities than I've accepted, sponsorship wise, because I didn't agree that they fit where I'm trying to go with my life.
"Was there offers to be sponsored and have logos on me and male lifechanging money?
"Yes, but I haven't accepted those because if I endorse something, I want the people who follow me to say, 'Anthony really believes in this.'"
No bad blood
Kim stressed that he has no ill feeling towards the North American circuit.
He could have returned to the Tour and played a few events through his status as a past champion.
Undoubtedly, he would've likely had a few invites from sponsors.
He said: "The PGA Tour was unbelievable for a number of reasons in my life.
"I got to retire my mum, that was my main goal playing golf."
Addressing the haters
Kim's results since joining LIV Golf do not make for pretty reading.
After eight events, he is yet to finish higher than 46th. But he's not bothered and is playing the long game.
"My dream is to watch my daughter run onto that green and me hold her," he said.
"And I'm going to do everything that I can to do that.
"If it means spending 18 hours on the course every day, I'm going to do that.
"At least [I am] give myself the opportunity because on the other side, people are doubting, laughing, criticising.
"I love it, that gives me more purpose and more energy to do what I'm doing.
"When I don't think I can win, I won't be playing. I'm not here to just get a platform, I'm here to be competitive."
LIV Jeddah | 53 |
LIV Hong Kong | 50 |
LIV Miami | 53 |
LIV Adelaide | 54 |
LIV Singapore | T-52 |
LIV Houston | T-48 |
LIV Nashville | T-46 |
LIV Andlucia | T-49 |
