Anthony Kim Reveals He ‘Was Leaning Toward Not Playing Again’ Before LIV Signing

Anthony Kim shocked everyone when he returned to professional golf on LIV, marking the end of what was an over ten-year absence from the spotlight.

In interviews that “AK” has decided to give since coming back, he has shed plenty of light on his struggles off the golf course. However, the full story is still being told, and the most recent details, revealed on the “Stairway to Heaven” podcast, show he was closer to not playing golf at all than playing anywhere else:

“I had three options: it was the PGA TOUR, play here [with LIV], or not play golf at all, and all three had an equal shot. 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?'”

Anthony Kim has newfound love for the game of Golf 🙌 pic.twitter.com/FIybl18nQE

— Fairway to Heaven Podcast (@FTH_LIVGolf) July 28, 2024

Kim eventually joined LIV, taking what was likely a sizeable payday to join the tour and play independently instead of on any of the teams it has:

“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 make life-changing 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.'”

Now, Kim’s focus is winning because he has one thing he wants to do: hold his daughter up after he is victorious:

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

Cover Image via Sports Illustrated