Over a decade since he last teed it up in competition, former PGA Tour star Anthony Kim is planning a return to professional golf, according to Golf.com’s Dylan Dethier.
Kim burst onto the scene in 2008, winning two PGA Tour events at just 22 years old and making the Ryder Cup team. But injuries derailed his promising career, and he hasn’t played an official event since withdrawing from the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship.
Now, Kim has spent recent months in discussions with the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and potential sponsors about launching a comeback.
“He’s been playing more golf. He’s been ramping up workouts. He’s confident in his game. That part, people say, definitely hasn’t changed,” sources familiar with the talks told GOLF.
A key factor is an insurance policy from Kim’s playing days that would pay out approximately $10 million, but would be voided if he returned to pro golf.
Both the PGA Tour and LIV have offered ways to make up for that loss of income. The Tour would leverage the 38-year-old Kim’s fame to secure lucrative sponsor exemptions and public appearances.
Breaking: Anthony Kim is planning a comeback to pro golf.
(Yes, this is real.)
After a decade away, Kim is in talks with the PGA Tour and with LIV about his return.
He was 26 in his last pro event. He’s 38 now — but thinks his game is ready.
Details: https://t.co/plKQo8ixkA
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) January 25, 2024
LIV has reportedly offered a one-year deal worth $10 million, allowing Kim to keep his insurance money while also earning prize purses and endorsements.
Kim seems unlikely to join LIV Golf’s team concept in year one, instead competing as an individual “wild card” entry.
While LIV provides guaranteed money, the PGA Tour offers greater prestige and access to more events.
“There’s a clear case to be made for either side,” sources said.
Ultimately, it will come down to which path delivers the best financial security for Kim.
Wherever he lands, Kim’s return would generate major buzz. With his flashy style and in-your-face demeanor, he was a rarity in golf’s country club ecosystem during his initial run.
Sources say the years away haven’t changed his brash confidence. As LIV and the PGA Tour battle for leverage, bringing one of the sport’s great “What if?” stories back to life would be a major coup.
For the first time in years, it seems Anthony Kim’s next chapter may finally be written.
