A week back, Anthony Kim was the center of attention at LIV Golf Hong Kong, thanks to his blistering display in the final round. However, a few hundred miles further from Fanling, Kim seemed to be back to square zero. The 38-year-old, who made his comeback at LIV Golf Jeddah only weeks ago, shot 4-over 74 at Macau Golf & Country Club. 

Was it expected? The Internet thinks so. In fact, a section of netizens points out that Kim’s debut was ‘overhyped’. Not just that, some of them also reiterate that LIV Golf lacks depth despite claims to the contrary. And, Kim’s T136 after the first round at the Asian Tour International Series Macau speaks volumes. But was Kim’s performance that bad?

Anthony Kim plays his first professional round outside LIV Golf

Kim once again failed to break par after his fiery round at LIV Golf Hong Kong. The three-time PGA Tour winner picked up four bogeys, a double-bogey, and two birdies in the opening round. Unfortunately, one of his shots also hit the flagstick and bounced back. 

But the burden of expectations was a little heavy on Kim, who posted the second-lowest round of the field last Sunday. Kim shot six birdies to card 5-under 65 in the final round of LIV Golf Hong Kong. Expectedly, it takes time to dust off the 12 years of rust from the game. Nevertheless, Kim’s performance at Fanling was read as an early sign of revival.

However, as he once again posted a round over par, a section of fans pointed out that it was exactly what was expected. Also, some of them pointed out that the very fact that Pat Perez is tied at the second spot speaks volumes about the depth of field or lack thereof. Consequently, Kim languishing at the bottom with just four players below him also evinces that stellar performance in LIV Golf is not a measurement of a player’s talent.

LIV Golf critics feel vindicated

The majority on X (formerly Twitter) took the opportunity to pile on LIV Golf. Also, some fans were disgruntled that every step Kim takes has become a point of discussion. Rather, they point out this increasingly shows that LIV golfers are not nearly as good as they think they are.

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For some, the final round performance in Hong Kong was an anomaly. They think Anthony Kim would need more time to find his footing.

This fan minced no words about Kim’s promised comeback. They pointed out that it had been blown out of proportion since the beginning. 

Kim’s debut attracted enough eyeballs during LIV Golf Jeddah. But that excitement has slowly faded. It appears as if this fan asked, Who cares!

One fan pointed out that instead of shelling out $10 million for a player who last played his competitive outing in 2012, PIF should have pumped a bit more into the Asian Tour. Then, the players would at least have better greens.

This user pointed out that the lack of strength in the field is quite staggering. However, instead of Kim, they took aim at Pat Perez.

Like the Oman event, the Macau leaderboard, too, is dominated by LIV golfers. Mito Pereira and Pat Perez are both tied for the second spot, one shot behind the leader, Li Haotong. Carlos Ortiz, David Puig, and Patrick Reed are tied for the fifth position. After Macau, LIV golfers will return to the US for the fifth LIV Golf event of this season. Anthony Kim, too, will head stateside to tee off at the Trump National Doral on April 5. 

Read More: ’Not a Member’: Jay Monahan Reveals Anthony Kim’s PGA Tour Chances, Hints at a Non-Privilege Return