Staff WriterAnthony Kim’s comeback story has taken another turn, as the former Ryder Cup hero looks ahead to a fresh start on The International Series following his relegation from LIV Golf.
The 40-year-old American may have seen his LIV Golf dream slip away, but his passion for the game — and his fan appeal — remain undimmed.
The 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup star stunned the golf world when he returned in early 2024 as a non-affiliated wildcard for LIV Golf after more than a decade away from professional competition.
Despite a few flashes of his old brilliance, the Anthony Kim of old was battling rust rather than rivals — and ultimately fell into the Drop Zone at season’s end, with a best finish of T25 at LIV Golf Dallas and T29 at LIV Golf Miami.
Now, after months of global travel and renewed focus, Kim has rediscovered some rhythm on The International Series. He made the cut at this week’s Moutai Singapore Open, sitting seven-under after three rounds and just eight shots off the lead — proof that the long road back may finally be bending toward form.
Still one of the game’s biggest draws, Kim remains upbeat about his next chapter. After The International Series wraps up with the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, he’ll tee it up at the LIV Golf Promotions event in January — a gateway for players chasing one of four open spots on the 2026 roster.
“This is something I am looking forward to and yes, regardless, I am going to play for a few more years,” said Kim. “I do not know how long I want to play golf for, but this is something I am committed to. I am motivated to play as good as I can, work as hard as I can, and you know, the results will speak for themselves.”
While the Anthony Kim comeback has been far from easy, he’s determined to find the right balance between competition and family life.
“I am going to play some events (on The International Series and Asian Tour). But it is a long way over here. So as much as I want to compete, you know, part of my comeback to golf is being with my family. And it is a lot of trouble for the family, so we will pick some events to play.”
Progress has been steady, and the improvement is tangible. In three of his last four International Series starts, Kim has made the cut — a sign of consistency returning to his once-explosive game.
“Overall, my ball striking has gotten a lot better,” he said. “I finally am doing the stuff I practice at home out here on the golf course, and I just got to get a few more putts to fall, and things will change pretty quickly.”
And if there’s one thing that’s kept Anthony Kim going, it’s the fans. Their energy, from Asia to the U.S., fuels his fight.
“It inspires me, for sure, absolutely it does,” he admitted. “You know, this has been a long journey. The last two years have been pretty tough. I was getting my teeth kicked in every week, coming to LIV Golf and playing without having much practice. But I have been working hard.
Obviously, it is a disappointment (to be relegated) but I am more motivated than ever to keep doing well.”
For Kim, whose fearless flair once made him golf’s great showman, the mission is simple now: rebuild, compete, and remind the world why his name once lit up leaderboards.
And if his recent form is any indication, Anthony Kim might just be getting warmed up.
