The world of professional golf witnessed one of its most dramatic and long-awaited comebacks in 2024 when Anthony Kim, the Korean-American sensation, stepped back onto the green. After vanishing from the sport for a staggering 12 years, Kim's return with the controversial LIV Golf series has reignited global fascination with his fearless game and mysterious past.
From Prodigy to Phantom: The Rise, Fall, and Fortune of Anthony Kim
Anthony Kim, born on June 19, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, was destined for golfing greatness. His talent shone early at La Quinta High School and later at the University of Oklahoma, setting the stage for a meteoric professional career. Turning pro in 2006, Kim exploded onto the PGA Tour, capturing three victories by 2010. His wins at the 2008 Wachovia Championship, the 2008 AT&T National, and the 2010 Shell Houston Open were marked by an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style. He cemented his status as a big-game player with a T3 finish at the 2009 Masters and a perfect record in Team USA's 2008 Ryder Cup victory.
However, disaster struck in 2012. A severe Achilles tendon injury required surgery and forced him off the tour. What followed was a radio silence that lasted over a decade. The golf world was left to speculate, with rumours eventually confirming a pivotal detail: Kim had a career-disability insurance policy that paid him an estimated $10 to $20 million when the injury ended his career before the age of 29.
The $10 Million Net Worth and LIV Golf Comeback Saga
As of 2025, Anthony Kim's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth is a complex tapestry of earnings and payouts. He accumulated roughly $12.2 million in prize money during his active PGA Tour years from 2006 to 2012. His rumoured signing bonus with LIV Golf was between $5 to $7.5 million. However, these figures are partially offset by the massive insurance payout he received, which reportedly required him to not return to professional golf.
His return, therefore, sent shockwaves. On February 27, 2024, Kim officially signed with LIV Golf as a season-long wildcard. He made his debut at LIV Golf Jeddah from March 1-3, finishing T42. Throughout the 2024 season, Kim played all 14 regular events, though he largely struggled, recording finishes around T40 or missing cuts. Despite the rusty performance, his mere presence brought immense spotlight to the league, and he remains part of LIV Golf's individual pathway for the 2025 season.
What Anthony Kim's Return Means for Golf
Anthony Kim's journey is more than a sports comeback; it's a narrative of resilience, mystery, and the high-stakes financial structures in professional athletics. His return with LIV Golf has provided a massive boost to the series' profile, attracting fans curious to see if the once-dazzling prodigy can recapture even a fraction of his former magic. While his 2024 results were modest, the golfing world remains captivated by the second chapter of Anthony Kim's career, watching to see if this bold comeback can transform into a competitive resurgence.
