‘Phil Won’t Be Happy’: Fans Show Mixed Feelings as Anthony Kim’s Latest Spotting in Australia Goes Viral

Will Anthony Kim ever chart the LIV Golf leaderboards? The question might have crossed the minds of many as AK struggled on the breakaway circuit since joining it in March. Seeing him return to the sport that once dubbed him a prodigy after 12 years, there was anticipation of witnessing something out of the ordinary. However, Kim has failed to pull through any spectacular performances so far on LIV Golf.

The LA native played his first event in Mayakoba and came in 53rd, and then in the next two events in Hong Kong and Miami, he was in 50th and 53rd again, respectively. This time, perhaps in an attempt to not repeat history, AK has reached the range in Adelaide to practice his swing more.

The golf pro posted a video of his range shot taken in Adelaide and captioned it “figuring things out” in the land down under. From the video, Kim’s swing was looking relatively better and promising, to say the least. However, the post aimed at updating his fans did not sit well with many in the golf world.

While Kim’s supporters were excited to see the pro put in all the hard work and improve his game, many also saw the post as a chance to take a dig at Kim for returning to the sport through LIV Golf, even dubbing it as the reason why he may never get better!

Netizens give a jumbled reaction to Anthony Kim’s range practice 

After seeing AK’s struggling form in the last three LIV events, this fan wondered if, by the end of the season, Kim would be on any team. He questioned by complimenting the pro, “Huge fan of AK and love the comeback story but he’s only got 9 more events to get out of the cellar. Will a team pick him up in the off season if his form isn’t there?” Though they answered it themselves, he predicted that Phil Mickelson might pick him up, saying, “I actually see him joining Phil’s team after he moves to a non playing captain.”

One user was eager for Kim to prove himself again. To encourage their favorite golfer, they said, “Love that turn! Go get it this week.” Unlike the constant criticism of AK’s swing, this fan cheered the LA native and trusted his slow start in the league, saying, “It’ll come… I have faith in you!!”

However, amidst the cheers from his supporters, many were quick to point out his lucrative deal with LIV Golf. This user not only made fun of his swing but also took a huge jibe at AK’s nose. They belittled him, saying, “Swing looks shite; nose looks worse.” That’s not all. One berated Kim by comparing him to the late Steve Ellington, saying, “Dude Steve Ellington would have been more entertaining and competitive than this guy.” However, they later claimed that they weren’t being haters, “but seriously this horse has been flogged all ready.”

Despite the heated comments, one user approached the situation with levity. They made a joke about how Lefty may not be happy with Kim being on the range first and said, “First on the range, Phil won’t be happy! lol.” But the 3-time Masters winner, who usually helps his fellow LIV Golf pros, perhaps wouldn’t mind being outworked here even though he is almost always the one out on the course first.

Lastly, this user called out the legitimacy of LIV Golf. Calling it a “Celebrity tour.” Moreover, they criticized Kim for not even making it on the developmental tour like the Korn Ferry Tour. They furiously called out the LIV fans and said, “Guy couldn’t make it on the Kornferry. You liv fans are not about the quality of golf.”

Anthony Kim will undoubtedly try his best to prove his critics wrong and make a run for at least being in the top 20 at LIV Golf Adelaide next week. It remains to be seen if the early practice will actually work in his favor!