Professional golfer Anthony Kim known as “AK” made a groundbreaking return to the professional golf world after a nearly 12 year absence.
Many fans have speculated over the years of his disappearance from the world and his sudden reappearance making it more mysterious.
In 2012, Kim faced some injuries forcing him to step away from golf for some time, but nothing serious enough to be gone for the time being. The long rumor that speculated around the golf world was that Kim had taken an insurance policy on his body paying him an eight plus figure sum of money. If he ever played in a professional tournament, he’d have to pay it all back. The injuries Kim faced included an achilles problem, wrist and hand injuries, and a back injury.
The golf world was saddened at the disappearance of Kim as he was one of the world’s most promising phenoms. Kim had a handful of PGA Tour wins early in his career including the 2008 Wachovia Championship, 2008 AT&T National, and the last one of his career being the Shell Houston Open in 2010.
After a long 12 years away from the public eye, Kim unexpectedly showed up at the new Saudi-Arabian backed golf league known as Liv golf. Liv golf is a new and rising league that has taken much talent away from the PGA Tour. There are discussions of merging of the two leagues to allow the Liv players to compete in PGA events as well, but as for now all Liv players aren’t allowed to play in a PGA sanctioned event. So for now, all the Liv players are only allowed to compete in the major championships if they either qualify or meet the world ranking requirements to gain exemption into the event.
As for Kim, there are speculations that he paid back the insurance money. On the bright side, Liv offered up front guaranteed contracts to get Kim up off his feet rather than rolling the dice on the PGA tour hoping to get his game back to make money again. The real reason for Kim coming back to the golf world is still unknown as he didn’t talk to any reporters; however, he did say that it’s all about golf and that he will talk about his story of returning at a later date.
Coming from where I came from over the last 10, 12 years, I’m just very grateful for this opportunity. Every step I walk, I feel blessed. So matter what I shoot, I feel like I’ve won. I never thought those words would come out of my mouth, but I’m trying to play this game with a lot of gratitude and live my life the same way.”
— Anthony Kim
Following his acceptance of his new deal, Kim participated in the Liv golf event in Jeddah. Kim had a rough start to the resurrection of his career by shooting back to back 76’s and a 74 on the final day to take 53rd out of a 53 player field. After the conclusion of the tournament, Kim was in high spirits for shaking off the rust and said he is encouraged to get to work and iron some things out and get out to continue competing.
Following Liv’s next stop in Hong Kong, Kim opened his tournament with a six-over 76 Friday and 72 Saturday. On the final round Sunday, Kim showed life of his golf skills he once had 12 years ago when he recorded 7 birdies and 2 bogeys to shoot a final round 65.
“I knew something good was coming,” Kim said. “It’s hard to stay patient when you feel like it’s right there, and I’m really happy that it hasn’t taken me one more round to get there.”
