News surfaced Thursday night that Anthony Kim will be returning to golf while the PGA Tour is in California for the Farmers Insurance Open. This took much of the golf world by storm and caused an uproar on social media.
About 10 years ago, Kim was a rising star and fan favorite.
Two of his three wins on the PGA Tour came in 2008 when he was 22 years old, and his last win on tour was in 2010. A former Oklahoma Sooner he was a member of the 2009 Presidents Cup and the 2008 Ryder Cup.
Then, he virtually disappeared after suffering an injury in 2012 and withdrawing from the Wells Fargo Championship. Few have heard from him since then.
but, comeback According to Golf.com's Dylan Dither, that seems to be the case. Reports at the time suggested he might rejoin the PGA Tour or even join LIV Golf, explaining different routes to both and what that would mean for him.
However, there is one issue that Kim will have to deal with in the name of an estimated $10 million insurance policy he took out on himself during his playing days.
If he returns to the professional ranks, that policy will be null and void.
Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images
But both the PGA Tour and LIV have no trouble making that money back through endorsements, sponsor relationships and the tours' Player Impact Programs (PIPs).
LIV reportedly showed no interest in Kim at first. However, CEO Greg Norman recently called Kim as negotiations began, but negotiations have reportedly stalled.
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old could return to the PGA Tour soon if he wishes. The “past champion” exemption will allow him to play in most tournaments this year.
People love Kim. Now 38 years old, he was constantly in the news because he had continued to grow so much even before his disappearance. Ever since this news broke, the number of fans on X (formerly Twitter) has increased explosively.
Two of his three wins on the PGA Tour came in 2008 when he was 22 years old, and his last win on tour was in 2010. A former Oklahoma Sooner he was a member of the 2009 Presidents Cup and the 2008 Ryder Cup.
He will earn more than 5-7 on sponsorships (lol). He's electric.Can such a shock be used in golf?
— Mike McG (@EffTruck) January 25, 2024
It's happening. Anthony Kim is actually returning to professional golf.Call your mom, AK is Buck Cook Cook
— Anthony Kim Tracker (@AKSwagTracker) January 25, 2024
Of course, Kim already has a tracking account. He has not yet made a legitimate decision about his return, but trackers are keeping an eye on the matter.
The holy grail of golf stories. If he told the truth, the golf world would go crazy.
— Kory Kozak (@korykozak) January 25, 2024
What's happening! $500 fairway woods, MC Hammer golf pants, Anthony Kim's return, and a transport to the pre-coronavirus era of golf
— the_dude2805 (@bennye2805) January 26, 2024
I don't care what kind of tour he goes on, but every golf fan should be excited if Anthony Kim returns to competitive golf. I don't know how well he will play, but it will be great to see Anthony Kim on the golf course again.
— James Malone (@jmalone11) January 26, 2024
Kim's return could be exactly what golf needs right now. The game is a mixed bag, and like James said, it's going to be good for the game no matter which tour we go on.
He will bring excitement back to golf, and what a comeback it will be. Kim is almost 40 years old and he hasn't played in a professional tournament since 2012, but he thinks he can compete. He will see an incredible story unfold.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through.If you want to know more about golf, please follow us. @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
