27 February 2024 , 14:15
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Anthony Kim is set to receive a signing bonus of up to £6 million from LIV Golf after the American decided to return to the sport as a member of the Saudi-backed league.
Kim was a breakthrough star on the PGA Tour over a decade ago, winning three events. However, he disappeared from the sport after he was left physically debilitated by a swathe of injuries between 2010 and 2012.
The 38-year-old will join the 2024 LIV Golf season as a wildcard and will not be assigned a team after agreeing on a deal with the controversial circuit. There is however, a possibility that his deal could be extended if all goes well.
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Kim will reportedly void an insurance policy payout of £7.89m in order to return to golf. He received an insurance payment after undergoing surgery back in 2012, but in order to qualify for the financial benefits, he was forced to quit golf.
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He is set to make his first professional appearance in 12 years at LIV Golf’s event in Saudi Arabia this week. LIV Golf commissioner - and former World No. 1 - Greg Norman is thrilled with the signing.
“The golf world has missed you,” said Norman. “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.”
Anthony Kim drew comparisons to Tiger Woods as he burst onto the scene as a young starBack in 2008, Kim became the first American under the age of 25 since 15-time major champion Tiger Woods to win two PGA Tour events in the same year. The American's last competitive appearance came at the Wells Fargo Championship in 2012, when he withdrew from the first round before struggling with further injuries.
Kim was the youngest member of the United States' triumphant 2008 Ryder Cup team, taking 2.5 points from four matches during Europe's defeat at Valhalla. He played a critical role in the victory, defeating Ryder Cup veteran Sergio Garcia 5 & 4 in the first match of the Sunday singles contests.
Rumours of a return 12 years on began at the beginning of this year, with LIV introducing two wildcard spots at their events for 2024. Kim will make his anticipated first appearance in professional golf for over a decade on 1st March in Jeddah as he competes for the £15.7m prize fund.