A man not seen in golf for 12 years could sensationally return to the game.
Anthony Kim, once a fan favourite and ascending star of the PGA Tour, is allegedly in discussions with the US circuit, but also LIV Golf.
Golf.com reported one issue with a Kim comeback would be an insurance policy worth $10 million the American took when he was active on tour.
This sum would be voided if the American rejoined the PGA Tour, a move that would undoubtedly intrigue golf fans around the world.
In 2015, Doug Ferguson of AP wrote in an interview with Kim that he was receiving monthly payments from this insurance policy taken in 2010 in case he was injured.
Injuries caused his downfall and disappearance. Kim revealed he underwent “six or seven surgeries” in three and a half years and described golf as “a fond memory.”
Since his interview with AP, which was his first in three years, there’s barely been sight or sound of the 38-year-old whose last PGA tour appearance was in 2012.
Golf.com also reported LIV Golf’s chief executive Greg Norman phoned Kim to begin negotiations and an offer on the table could cover the value of his insurance policy.
13 teams of four players began the 2024 LIV Golf season, in 54-player fields with two wildcard places reserved each week. A wildcard could be the way in for Kim should he choose the Saudi-funded circuit.
Flushing It has now reported to X (Twitter) that Kim has agreed terms to join LIV and Norman has allegedly been influential in the move.
It is also believed he is expected to take up one of the two wildcard spots currently held by Laurie Canter and Hudson Swafford at LIV Golf Jeddah which begins on March 1.
Kim has reportedly increased his activity on the golf course and his confidence is building, perhaps the confidence that led to winning three times on tour and reaching number six in the world rankings.
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Anthony Kim: PGA Tour star was rising before injuries struck
Kim won for the first time on the PGA Tour in 2008 at the Wachovia Championship and he followed this up two months later by winning the AT&T National.
These victories helped him earn his Ryder Cup debut in 2008 at Valhalla. After earning 1.5 points in three pairs matches with Phil Mickelson, Kim brushed Sergio Garcia aside 5&4 in the top match of the singles, starting America’s romp to a 16.5-11.5 win.
He beat Vaughn Taylor in a playoff to win the Shell Houston Open in 2010, the same year he came third at the Masters. A year later, he came tied for fifth at The Open Championship at Royal St. George’s.
It was in 2012 when his career came to an abrupt halt. He played in just 10 events, missing four cuts, withdrawing three times and getting disqualified at the Northern Trust Open.
The Wells Fargo Championship, the updated name of the tournament where he won for the first time on tour, was also where he made his last appearance on tour.
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