29 February 2024 , 20:03
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The bookmakers believe Anthony Kim has a better chance of being crowned champion at LIV Golf Jeddah than six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, despite his 12-year hiatus.
Mickelson is arguably LIV's biggest name, donning six major titles and 45 PGA Tour victories on his CV. It is yet to happen for him on the breakaway circuit though, with the 53-year-old's best performance coming at LIV Chicago back in 2022, where he finished in a tie for eighth.
Whilst Mickelson is no longer the remarkable player he once was, the former PGA Tour star knows exactly how to win a golf tournament, having become the sport's oldest major champion at the 2021 PGA Championship.
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Despite his past though, his chances of breaking his wait for a LIV win appear slim in Saudi Arabia this week, with Mickelson priced at 200/1 to get his hands on the title by Betway. Remarkably, Mickelson's former Ryder Cup teammate, Anthony Kim ranks higher in the betting at 150/1, despite not playing competitive golf in 12 years.
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Kim had announced himself as one of the sport's hottest prospects in the late 2000's, winning three times in two years on the PGA Tour to rise to No. 6 in the world rankings. Things soon came crashing down though, after the American endured a number of injury issues.
After three withdrawals on the bounce ending at the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship, Kim entered the golfing wilderness, with many believing the three-time winner had called time on his career. Twelve years on though, the American has made an astonishing return, opting to sign with LIV Golf as a wildcard for this week's trip to Saudi.
Anthony Kim has returned to professional golf (LIV Golf)It remains to be seen how Kim will fair after so long away, but if the pre-tournament betting is anything to go by it appears he has a better chance than the likes of Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer. Breaking his silence for the first time since 2012, Kim said in a statement: "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.”
Welcomed by LIV's CEO Greg Norman, the Australian commented: "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.”