Anthony Kim Update: Exploring His $10M Insurance Policy Amid Comeback Rumors

Anthony Kim last played in a tournament in 2012, when he withdrew from the Wells Fargo Championship due to injury. Since then there has been no news about the American golfer until a few hours ago. Anthony Kim is plotting his return to pro golf. Reportedly, the former PGA Tour Pro has an insurance policy worth $10–$20 million. He might have already collected a portion of his disability insurance after ‘quitting’ the PGA Tour in 2012.

Former Sports Illustrated author Alan Shipnuck who was doing a story on Kim said that the golfer’s friend had billed the amount at exactly $10 million tax-free. The insider said, “He’s trying to weigh the risk of coming back. The way he’s phrased it to me is, ‘If I take one swing on Tour, the policy is voided.” If the former Pro’s insurance could be voided if he eyes a comeback to the greens. 

According to Dylan Dethier’s report, Kim has been in discussions with the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League about returning to professional golf. It is also said that the 38-year-old golfer has been ramping up his training in recent weeks. He also took to his ‘X’ to inform the golfing community about this update. He captioned the post, “Breaking: Anthony Kim is planning a comeback to pro golf. (Yes, this is real.) After a decade away, Kim is in talks with the PGA Tour and with LIV about his return. He was 26 in his last pro event. He’s 38 now — but thinks his game is ready. Details:”

At 21, Kim was already tipped to be one of the next ‘Greats’ of the game and for the better part of his career, Anthony Kim was in red-hot form. For four years, the Los Angeles native kept the golf world awestruck before a torn Achilles played spoilsport. The Ryder Cup veteran made headlines once again after his name was associated with LIV Golf after he shockingly vanished after withdrawing from three consecutive tournaments in 2012. 

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Kim has spent the last few months in discussions with the PGA Tour, LIV, and potential sponsors as he plots his return. Now, it’s just a matter of where he makes his return.

Is Kim joining LIV Golf or the PGA Tour?

One of the issues in the negotiations has been about the insurance policy that would be voided if he returned to the competition. His decision to try the PGA Tour versus signing a deal with LIV also comes at a tense moment in negotiations between the leagues as they battle for players’ attention and leverage as their respective 2024 seasons get underway.

It was reported that Greg Norman was not interested in the former star at first. Sources familiar with the LIV negotiations said that the league had not initially expressed much interest nor willingness to pay for Kim to join the league. However, the Great White Shark has since been in touch with him and has allegedly furthered contract talks with the three-time PGA Tour winner. Should Kim sign with LIV, he may not join a team — at least not in the first year of his deal. The rumors gained momentum after Adrian Meronk shockingly joined LIV Golf, per insiders. Moreover, Tyrrell Hatton has been tipped to join the rival league as well.

Kim, should he choose to stay with the PGA Tour, is eligible to take part in non-signature events as a past champion. While his insurance payout can’t be handled directly in a lump sum payment from the PGA Tour, there would be no shortage of ways to monetize his appearances by tapping into sponsor relationships, making appearances, growing a social following, or earning a spot in the Player Impact Program (PIP). According to ESPN, if Kim chooses to restart his Tour membership he’d be able to accept unlimited exemptions this year.

There are clear cases to be made for either side. The PGA Tour boasts greater reach and LIV, on the other hand, would mark a softer landing spot. Which do you think Kim will opt for? Let us know in the comments section below.

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