Anthony Kim’s fairytale return to professional golf has taken another dramatic turn after his relegation from LIV Golf, leaving the former Ryder Cup star fighting to salvage his career.
The 40-year-old’s long-awaited comeback, following more than a decade away from the sport, has ended in disappointment after two years marked by inconsistent play and missed opportunities. Once touted as LIV Golf’s wildcard story, Kim failed to make a single top-10 finish in 2025, with most of his results languishing around T50 or worse.
As a result, Kim has been forced out of LIV and will now attempt to earn his way back through the Asian Tour’s International Series. His first step comes at this week’s Jakarta International Championship, the beginning of a crucial stretch of five events leading up to November’s PIF Saudi International in Riyadh. Should he fail to impress, his last chance will come at the LIV Golf Promotions Event later this year.
“My goal is to play well over the next five or six weeks, and just let things play out,” Kim said. “Right now, I’m focused on the events in front of me. If you play well, you have an opportunity. I’m not too worried about what’s ahead. Just taking it one week at a time.”
Kim has openly admitted to his struggles since rejoining the professional ranks after a 12-year absence. “My game has been very streaky,” he conceded. “I’ve had some stretches where I feel like a world-class player, and I’ve had some stretches where I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. But that comes with not playing golf for 12 years.”
The Californian’s career was derailed in 2012 after an ACL injury that led him to step away from competition. At the height of his powers, he climbed as high as No. 6 in the world rankings in 2008 and captured three PGA Tour titles, as well as representing Team USA at the Ryder Cup.
Now ranked No. 2610 in the world, Kim is determined to prove he still belongs at the highest level. “I think great results are in front of me,” he said. “As long as I can stay healthy, I believe that I’ll have a lot of chances to win in the future.”
For golf fans, Kim’s future remains uncertain—but his grit and determination suggest that, even after a painful setback, he isn’t ready to let his comeback story end just yet.
