Ex-PGA Tour star finds feet again after LIV Golf | Golf News

Anthony Kim, the previous Ryder Cup star who disappeared from skilled golf for over a decade due to injury, mental health, and habit points, has made an spectacular comeback.

After a disappointing return with LIV Golf, where he failed to earn a single level during his two seasons as a wild card participant and was relegated in August, Kim has now moved into rivalry at the Saudi International.

Kim, who led a mysterious life away from the highlight before making a shock return with LIV in 2024, has been focusing on the Asian Tour’s International Series since his relegation. His efforts appear to be paying off, with improved outcomes and back-to-back cuts in Hong Kong and Singapore in current weeks. It comes after LIV Golf snapped up a PGA Tour as the first signing for next season.

The 40-year-old Californian’s efficiency at Riyadh Golf Club has taken his sport to another degree. He carded a bogey-free spherical of seven-under-par on Thursday, bettering to 11-under-par for the event and putting him in the top 5 as the event heads into its closing phases.

This marks Kim’s best 36-hole rating since his comeback, exhibiting flashes of the expertise that once made him one of the brightest stars in the game before his profession derailed.

LIV members Thomas Pieters and Caleb Surratt are main the pack in Riyadh, with Kim trailing by two pictures. Other notable names like Tyrrell Hatton, Josele Ballester, and Adrian Meronk are also vying for the top spots on the leaderboard.

Despite not dwelling up to expectations with LIV, Kim has rediscovered his ardour for golf and is hopeful as he heads into the ultimate two rounds in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m finally starting to see some of the work show,” Kim shared. “I haven’t been able to swing like I have been in practice rounds and back at home in tournament golf, but it’s starting to show up and starting to feel more comfortable out here.

“This is the toughest I’ve labored since I used to be a little child. I’ve fallen back in love with the sport. I really feel a lot of gratitude taking part in this sport, getting to journey. We have been in Dubai last week, in Saudi now. Just wanting ahead to the future.

“It’s a lot easier when you start hitting fairways and making a few putts, absolutely. Getting kicked in the teeth every week over the last two years, playing against some of the major championship winners and some very successful players, has been tough. I think I needed to be in that fire and I’ll be ready for the weekend.”

When requested about his renewed love for golf, Kim explained: “It means that I actually want to go to the golf course. I was so excited to leave the golf course when I had some of the mental illness and addiction issues.

“At this level, I’m excited to be right here, I really feel blessed to be right here, and I’m going to keep working as onerous as I can. [I am working] onerous enough where the membership has despatched me a letter to stop placing on the greens. So I’ll deal with that when I get home.”