Ever wonder where the talented golfer Anthony Kim went? Once regarded as one of the biggest names in the sport, Kim made his professional debut in 2006, after which he won the 2010 Shell Houston Open, the 2008 Wachovia Championship, and the 2008 AT&T National. His unquestionable talent and fearless style made him seem destined for greatness. However, as swiftly as he gained popularity, he lost it, leaving admirers to wonder what went wrong.

Well, in the background, Kim was struggling with personal issues. Substance and alcohol abuse had a severe impact, resulting in years of psychological issues and even thoughts of suicide regularly. He had to take a 12-year break from professional golf in 2012 due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Following his spectacular comeback to LIV Golf in 2024, Kim has now disclosed a horrific health scare that almost cost him everything. 

On February 25, 2025, Anthony Kim shared an emotional Instagram post about a terrifying health crisis that almost claimed his life. After a small slip while taking out the garbage two weeks before the LIV Golf event in Riyadh, Kim started to feel a strange discomfort in his right knee. He dismissed it as a minor injury and continued to Riyadh, where he developed influenza-like symptoms and numbness in his right leg, especially the foot. Kim decided to continue despite these concerning indicators since he didn’t want to make it a big deal.

His condition worsened when he arrived in Australia, where he suffered from frequent nighttime vomiting. Upon arriving home, Kim sought medical assistance after realizing the seriousness of his situation. At first, the doctors said he had vertigo, then they suggested more tests. Kim was astonished to learn that he had a blood clot in his calf after an ultrasound of his leg revealed that he was at risk of having a stroke or cardiac arrest while flying.

As he pondered back on this potentially fatal experience, Kim thanked everyone for their support and realized that his family, sobriety, and well-being had to come first. The blood clot should go away with six months of medicine, he said, and he expects to have full sensation in his leg again in a few weeks. He was profoundly awakened by this event, which made him realize how important it is to be grateful for life’s benefits and to keep a good outlook. The golf fraternity has also been surprised by the revelation, with players and supporters voicing their support and concern. It is now evident that Kim’s return to golf is a return to life in general, making his comeback one of the sport’s most intriguing tales to date. However, let’s take a look at what exactly made Kim take a 12-year break from the course!

The missing years: Kim’s twelve-year break

In 2012, Anthony Kim abruptly departed the professional golf circuit, leaving fans and the sports community to wonder about his location and health. In an exclusive interview with David Feherty for LIV Golf in April 2024, Kim revealed the difficulties he had when he was away for 12 years. “I’m not going to lie, I was around some bad people,” Kim acknowledged. “People that took advantage of me—scam artists. And when you’re 24 or 25, even 30 years old, you don’t realize the snakes that are living under your roof.” This poisonous atmosphere, along with an “addictive personality,” drove him to turn to drugs as a way to deal with his personal problems and physical discomfort.

The birth of his child two years earlier was the pivotal event that motivated Kim to get therapy and change his life. He reflected on his struggle as he celebrated two years sober, saying, “I was barely physically able to walk into rehab, needing assistance from my sober coach.” Now that he is putting more of an emphasis on his loved ones and wellness, Kim is cautiously positive about his golf career.

Even if it has been difficult for him to return to the sport and his performances hasn’t yet reached his former level, Kim is unwavering. His narrative is a potent reminder of the inner struggles that athletes frequently endure behind closed doors and the perseverance needed to get through them. Fans and other sportsmen alike are cheering Kim on as he continues his quest, curious to see what the previously secretive golf prodigy will do in the future.