It’s been more than a decade since Anthony Kim teed up a ball at a professional event. Now, a tour that didn’t exist when he left has announced his return from golf’s wilderness.
Kim is set to make his first pro start in 12 years at LIV Golf’s third event of the season in Saudi Arabia on Friday, arriving on the circuit as a wildcard, the organization confirmed on Tuesday.
“Following a retirement of nearly 12 years, the 38-year-old American will make his official return to professional competition this week at LIV Golf Jeddah, March 1-3 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia,” LIV Golf said in a statement.
The tour also confirmed that Kim will compete in all remaining 2024 LIV Golf regular season events, competing points in the league’s individual standings in order to earn a team place in 2025.
“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,” said Kim. “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.”
Kim’s imminent return in Jeddah was first reported by NBC Sports’ Rex Hoggard on Saturday, who cited multiple sources that spoke under anonymity as they “were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.”
Prior to Kim’s official signing, LIV Golf posted a promotional video on X, formerly known as Twitter, Monday appearing to hint at his comeback. The video does not name Kim, but features shots of a silhouetted golfer overlaid with narration describing a “rebirth.”
LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman later shared the footage, adding: “He oozes incredible talent.”
“The world has seen it in the past and now it is an honor as Commissioner of LIV Golf to give the opportunity for this star to be reborn,” Norman continued on X.
“Welcome back and to the LIV Golf family mate. The golf world has missed you.”
CNN has reached out to LIV Golf for comment.