While the PGA Tour is in California for the Farmers Insurance Open, news of Anthony Kim making a return to golf surfaced Thursday evening. It took over most of the golfing world and caused quite an uproar on social media.
Kim was a rising star and fan favorite a little over a decade ago.
Two of his three PGA Tour wins came in 2008 at 22 years old, and the last time he won on Tour was in 2010. The former Oklahoma Sooner was a 2009 Presidents Cup and a 2008 Ryder Cup member.
Then in 2012, he suffered injuries and after withdrawing from the Wells Fargo Championship, he essentially disappeared. Very few people have heard from him since.
However, a comeback appears to be on the table, per Golf.com's Dylan Diether. At the time, the report suggested he could rejoin the PGA Tour or even join LIV Golf, explaining the different routes to both and what it would mean for him.
There is one hiccup though would need to be dealt with though, in the name of an estimated $10 million insurance policy Kim took out on himself during his playing days.
That policy would be voided if he returns to the professional ranks.
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However, both the PGA Tour and LIV would not find it difficult to make that money back through endorsements, sponsor relationships and the Tour’s Player Impact Program (PIP).
LIV reportedly did not initially express interest in Kim. But CEO Greg Norman recently called Kim and as negotiations began but talks have reportedly stalled.
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old could return to the PGA Tour immediately if he chose to do so. Through ‘past champion’ exemptions, he would be able to enter the majority of the tournaments this year.
People love Kim. The now 38-year-old has always been someone that gets talked about because he was on such a rise before he disappeared. Since the news broke, fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) exploded.
Two of his three PGA Tour wins came in 2008 at 22 years old, and the last time he won on Tour was in 2010. The former Oklahoma Sooner was a 2009 Presidents Cup and a 2008 Ryder Cup member.
He would make more than 5-7 on sponsorships lol. Dude is electric. Golf could use a jolt like this
— Mike McG (@EffTruck) January 25, 2024
IT IS HAPPENING. ANTHONY KIM IS ACTUALLY RETURNING TO PRO GOLF. CALL YOUR MOMS AK IS BACKKKKKKK
— Anthony Kim Tracker (@AKSwagTracker) January 25, 2024
Of course, Kim already has a tracking account. He hasn't even made a legitimate decision on returning, but the trackers are all over it.
Golf’s Holy Grail of stories. If he ever gives a true story, the golf world will go crazy.
— Kory Kozak (@korykozak) January 25, 2024
What is happening! $500 fairway woods, MC Hammer golf pants, Anthony Kim coming back, take me back to the pre COVID golf days
— the_dude2805 (@bennye2805) January 26, 2024
I don't care what tour he ends up on, but if Anthony Kim is returning to competitive golf, every golf fan should be fired up. I don't know how well he'll play, but to see Anthony Kim on the golf course again will be fantastic.
— James Malone (@jmalone11) January 26, 2024
Kim's return would be exactly what golf needs right now. The game is divided, and like James said, regardless of what Tour he goes to, it'll be good for the game.
He’ll bring excitement back to golf, and what a comeback it would be. Kim is almost 40 and hasn't played a professional tournament since 2012, but thinks he can compete. It would be an incredible story to watch unfold.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.