Unveiling the Mystery: Anthony Kim Breaks Silence on His Golf Hiatus
Anthony Kim, once a promising golf star, vanished from the scene for 12 years. Now, he reveals the truth behind his disappearance and the challenges he faced during his hiatus.
By the age of 26, Anthony Kim had already established a successful golf career for himself. He had achieved several victories on the PGA Tour, reached the impressive ranking of No. 6 in the world, and had the honor of being part of the winning Team USA at both the 2008 Ryder Cup and 2009 Presidents Cup.
But then he vanished. His body was broken by a series of severe injuries, and sightings of him in public became rare.
However, earlier this year, after being away from golf for 12 years, Kim made a sudden comeback to competitive play. He joined the LIV Golf tour, returning to the sport he almost mastered over a decade ago.
DORAL, FL - MARCH 12: Anthony Kim hits from eighth tee box during the second round of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 12, 2010 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR)
On March 12, 2010, at Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Doral, Florida, Anthony Kim was seen hitting from the eighth tee box during the second round of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship. The photo was captured by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR.
Stan Badz/PGA Tour/Getty Images
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Anthony Kim vanished from the golf scene 12 years ago. Recently, LIV Golf announced his comeback.
In his first interview since coming back, Kim revealed the reasons behind his sudden departure from golf. He shared that the people he associated with had a negative impact on his career.
Kim admitted during an interview with David Feherty for LIV that she was surrounded by some negative influences. She mentioned being taken advantage of by scam artists and not realizing the toxic people in her life, even into her thirties.
Kim has experience living with animals. He once lived with six dogs and two monkeys while staying home and watching reality TV.
During his early days in golf, Kim decided to remove "about 98%" of the people in his life to make changes and improve his lifestyle.
Kim shared the various injuries he had, including surgeries on his Achilles tendon, shoulder, hand, and a spinal fusion. These injuries had a significant impact on him.
"Golf holds a special place in my heart, yet it also doesn't hold much importance," Kim shared. "There have been times when I've felt incredibly down, when life seemed very dim.
"Even in a crowd, I've experienced loneliness. I knew I had to clear my mind and discover my true purpose in life."
Kim holds the trophy after winning the Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 4, 2010 in Humble, Texas.
Kim holds the trophy after winning the Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 4, 2010 in Humble, Texas.
Kim made his comeback to golf last month after an absence since May 2012. He participated in LIV Golf's third event in Saudi Arabia, finishing in last place. Despite having offers to return to the PGA Tour, Kim decided to sign with LIV instead.
Despite finishing at the bottom of the 53-player field after shooting 16-over par for all 54 holes, the 38-year-old Kim remained "encouraged" by his return to the course.
He attributes his ability to get back to golf to the support of his wife and the birth of his daughter, which helped him find a sense of normalcy and take his initial steps towards recovery.
Kim has been on a journey of rediscovery, figuring out his true passions. Surprisingly, golf has become a significant part of this list.
Reflecting on his relationship with golf, Kim admitted, "I never thought I would love it. But now, I find myself falling in love with the game."
Golf was a strange place for me because it was full of pressure and various emotions. My family sacrificed a lot to allow me to play golf, adding even more pressure. I was naturally aggressive on and off the golf course, which eventually led to my downfall.
Editor's P/S:
Anthony Kim's return to golf after a 12-year hiatus is a testament to his resilience and the power of second chances. Despite the setbacks he faced, including injuries and negative influences, Kim found the strength to rediscover his passion for the game. His decision to join LIV Golf, despite having offers to return to the PGA Tour, is a bold move that speaks to his desire for a fresh start.
Kim's journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to make changes in life. By surrounding himself with a supportive network, including his wife and daughter, Kim has found a sense of normalcy and purpose that has allowed him to return to the sport he loves. While his comeback may not be as successful as his previous run, it's clear that Kim is enjoying the experience and has found a new appreciation for the game.
