Anthony Kim has officially announced his return to professional golf as a member of the LIV Golf League, acknowledging that is "has been a long time coming."
The 38-year-old American has not been seen since the summer of 2012 at the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour, and when he is next watched in the flesh by fans, it will be on a rival circuit at LIV Golf Jeddah this weekend (March 1-3).
Set to be a huge draw in the 54-man line-up at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, three-time PGA Tour winner Kim has been confirmed as a season-long wildcard player and will play 11 of the 12 remaining LIV events this term, aside from the season-ending team championship.
Speaking about his highly-anticipated comeback, Kim said: “After stepping away from the game years ago due to injury, I’m happy to officially announce my return to the world of professional golf.
“It’s been a long time coming, and I’m very grateful for all the highs, lows and lessons learned from the first part of my career. I want to compete with the best players in the world, and I’m on a mission to prove to myself that I can win again.
"The next step on that journey starts now, and I’m excited to give everything I’ve got this season on the LIV Golf League."
Meanwhile, LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman said: “LIV Golf was launched to create new opportunities for players and fans that drive this sport forward in exciting ways, and when I think of Anthony Kim, I can’t imagine a more perfect fit for what we’re trying to do.
"His talent is undeniable, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to professional golf with our league.
“It’s clear that he has the fire to win again and show why he was one of the most compelling players in the world, and we will support him on that mission as he works to earn his way back to the top of the game.”
In a further video shared by LIV, Kim revealed he has missed the competitive side of the sport and is looking forward to back-to-back weeks of action before clarifying he would tell his story "when it's the right time."
He said: "Right now, I'm focused on playing good this week. I've got a few weeks of competitive golf in front of me, so I'll tell my story when it's the right time. But right now, I'm focused on golf.
"I'm excited to be out here with my daughter, with my family, and just enjoy the experience that LIV is providing. I think I've missed the competitive part of the game, I wouldn't just say it's golf. Just being in the heat of the moment and having the opportunity to do something special. I'm looking forward to having that opportunity again."
"I've missed the competitive part of the game" 💬#LIVGolf @anthonykim_golf pic.twitter.com/gzr05OdyMnFebruary 28, 2024
The 38-year-old continued by referencing his aims for the season in classic AK style.
He said: "11 years off is a long time, but I feel like I was blessed with a little bit of talent and a little bit of hard work can go a long way, so I'm expecting good results.
"I don't have too many nerves right now, I don't know how I'm going to feel on that first tee as it's been so long. But golf is just a game, right? I've gone through enough things in my life where I'm going to just enjoy the moment and play the best I can.
"I've been putting in some work and I'm ready to go. I'm 38 now, so I don't know quite a few of the guys, but I'm here to bust everyone's ass."
LIV first revealed that Kim would be a part of its roster in a social-media post on Monday. And following a promotional video which teased Kim's arrival to the league, LIV CEO Greg Norman posted a message via his X account expressing his excitement about their latest signing.
The post read: "He oozes incredible talent. The world has seen it in the past and now it is an honour as Commissioner of LIV Golf to give the opportunity for this star to be reborn. Welcome back and to the LIV Golf family mate. The golf world has missed you."
He oozes incredible talent. The world has seen it in the past and now it is an honour as Commissioner of LIV Golf to give the opportunity for this star to be reborn. Welcome back and to the LIV Golf family mate. The golf world has missed you. pic.twitter.com/HNzsXPgFUpFebruary 26, 2024
Despite plenty of positive reaction to the second coming of Kim, there are several questions that need answering before expectation levels really skyrocket and hopes of him repeating some of his standout moments are raised exponentially - including: 'what shape is his game in?' and 'Is he really back for good?'
A video of him practicing in Jeddah appeared to show his swing in excellent condition, while an in-depth press conference would go a long way to helping the 38-year-old explain several other burning questions the golfing public undoubtedly has.
Should those answers not arrive this week, and it seems like they won't, fans can make do with watching Kim in action when coverage of LIV Golf Jeddah begins Friday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m. local time (3:00 a.m. ET), with Friday’s round broadcast live on The CW App (U.S.), LIV Golf Plus and the PIF-backed circuit's new streaming platform, Caffeine.
