From a golfing sensation to a mystery man, Anthony Kim’s journey has been a wild ride. Once hailed as one of the sport’s brightest stars and the next Tiger Woods, he abruptly departed from the PGA Tour due to injuries. That left fans and fellow golfers wondering what had become of the talented young player.

After 12 years of relative silence, Kim returned in March as a LIV golfer, ending his exile. Yes, as a LIV golfer. Many said that Greg Norman had a huge role to play in the decision, as he himself spoke with Kim. Now, months after making the switch, he reflects on his journey, revealing a surprising sentiment. Despite joining a rival league, his gratitude for the PGA Tour runs deep. But what sparked this unexpected appreciation?

How did the PGA Tour change Anthony Kim’s life forever?

In a candid conversation on The Bunkered Podcast, Kim opens up about his journey, revealing a surprising gratitude towards the PGA Tour—and it all starts with his mom. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared a poignant moment that shaped his life’s goal. 

“My goal as a kid, growing up watching my mom work so hard and struggle, was to take care of her and make sure she didn’t have to work if she didn’t want to. So the PGA Tour gave me an opportunity to make some money, retire my mom at 23 years old, and give her as good of a life as I could afford. So I’m grateful for that opportunity,” said the 39-year-old. 

Although Kim’s period with the PGA Tour was short, he lived it to the fullest. He admitted, “I was grateful to play on the PGA Tour. It didn’t last my life.” . Yet, what a blast it was! In 2006, the golfer turned professional and promptly secured his first PGA Tour card through qualifying school for the 2007 season, all before turning 23. In his rookie season, he finished with four top-10s that left him an instant fan favorite. 

With his phenomenal performances, Kim reached his breakout year in 2008, when he won not one but two tournaments at just 22. He first clinched the AT&T National Tournament with a 5-under-par score and a final-round score of 65. Later that year, he won the Wachovia Championship, capping off a 16-under-par 272. Kim described the experience as a numbing experience, revealing that the walk up the 18th hole was “the best feeling of my entire life.”

In his time on the Tour, he earned $12,206,409 from the tournaments. His time on the PGA Tour was cut short due to injuries, the 3-time PGA Tour champ’s journey was hindered due to many adversities.

Kim’s promising career was cut short

Anthony Kim’s rising stardom was tragically halted by a series of injuries that forced him to take a hiatus from the PGA Tour. First, his 2011 season was halted due to the same, and then, after a long rehab in 2012, surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon marked the final blow. The 2012 Wells Fargo Championship was his final PGA Tour event, from which he had to withdraw. But what followed was even more challenging than his physical battles.

In a comeback interview with David Feherty, Kim opened up about his mental struggles, addiction, and demons inside his head. The 39-year-old shared, “I’ve had some very dark moments. I’ve had some very low moments. I’ve felt very alone, even when there are a million people around. I needed to get my mind straight and figure out what my purpose was on this planet.” But Kim found solace in his pets—six dogs and two monkeys—and navigated this difficult twelve-year period.

However, little did he know, a new chapter was waiting just around the corner—his comeback with LIV Golf. But still, Anthony Kim holds the dearest respect for the PGA Tour, which allowed him to change his family’s life forever.