Anthony Kim reveals ‘three options’ he had before comeback

Before making the most unlikely comeback to professional golf, Anthony Kim had three options.

In the end, the American – who made a sensational return in March after 12 years in the abyss – joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league as a free agent.

Kim was ruled out of the 2012 season through injury, following a promising start to his career that included three PGA Tour wins and a Ryder Cup trophy.

Fast forward over a decade and before teeing it up at JCB Golf & Country Club for LIV Golf UK, Kim has revealed he could’ve re-signed with the American circuit.

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“I had three options; it was the PGA Tour, play here [LIV] or not play golf at all and all three had an equal shot,” he told the Fairway to Heaven podcast.

“After a few conversations with LIV and the PGA Tour, I was leaning towards not playing again, but my wife was like ‘who is ever going to get this opportunity again’.

“I had financial benefits from both sides, that’s no secret. I had different sponsorship opportunities whether I played the PGA or LIV and I still have different 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.

“Was there offers to be sponsored and have logos on me and male lifechanging 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’.”

During his early playing days, Kim was sponsored by Audi and Nike. Now, he wears his own range of clothing provided by Extracurricular – who also kit out 4Aces GC.

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Undoubtably, had Kim chosen the PGA Tour, he would have benefited from enough sponsor exemptions to keep him busy on the course.

He has no bad blood with the Tour, though, insisting it was an ‘unbelievable’ period of his life.

“The PGA Tour was unbelievable for a number of reasons in my life,” Kim added. “I got to retire my mum, that was my main goal playing golf.”

Nowadays, Kim has a new dream.

“My dream is to watch my daughter run onto that green and me hold her, and I’m going to do everything that I can to do that.

“If it means spending 18 hours on the course every day, I’m going to do that. At least give myself the opportunity because on the other side, people are doubting, laughing, criticising.

“I love it, that gives me more purpose and more energy to do what I’m doing.

“When I don’t think I can win, I won’t be playing. I’m not here to just get a platform, I’m here to be competitive.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.