Anthony Kim explains reason for turning down PGA Tour to join LIV Golf after shock return

Anthony Kim made headlines in the golf world when he returned to professional play by joining LIV Golf earlier this year, after a 12-year hiatus due to injury problems.

In the late 2000s, Kim was one of golf’s brightest stars, securing victories on the PGA Tour and earning a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team. However, his career was abruptly interrupted in 2012 due to a series of injuries, leading him to step away from the sport and public life. His last competitive appearance before his comeback was at the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship, where he had to withdraw, marking his third consecutive withdrawal and seemingly the end of his playing career.

More than a decade later, the 38-year-old stunned the golf community by teaming up with Greg Norman and becoming one of LIV’s two wildcards for the 2024 season. Kim’s first tournament back was in Jeddah in March, and he has been competing in the breakaway league since.

Ahead of LIV’s UK event at JCB Country and Golf Club this week, Kim shared his reasons for choosing the Saudi-backed league for his return. Speaking on LIV’s Fairway to Heaven podcast, he said, “I had three options: the PGA Tour, play here [LIV], or not play golf at all, and all three had an equal shot.” He added, “After a few conversations with LIV and the PGA Tour, I was leaning towards not playing again, but my wife encouraged me, saying, ‘who is ever going to get this opportunity again’.”

Kim acknowledged that both LIV and the PGA Tour offered him financial incentives and sponsorship opportunities. “I’ve turned down more opportunities than I’ve accepted, sponsorship-wise, because I didn’t agree that they fit where I’m trying to go with my life,” he explained. “Was there offers to be sponsored and have logos on me and make life-changing money? Yes, but I haven’t accepted those because if I endorse something, I want the people who follow me to say, ‘Anthony really believes in this’.”

Despite his return, Kim’s game shows signs of rust from his long absence. He currently ranks at the bottom of LIV’s season-long standings, having failed to score points in the seven events he has entered this year. However, he has shown improvement recently, finishing in the top 50 in his last three events. His best finish this season was a tie for 46th in Nashville, followed by tied-48th finishes in Houston and at Real Club Valderrama.

Kim’s journey back into professional golf is a work in progress, but his return has certainly reignited interest and excitement among fans and followers of the sport.