After returning from a 12-year hiatus, Anthony Kim had many stories to share. Some were about his struggles with alcohol and bad influences, while others were about his surgeries and injuries. However, do you know there’s another untold story? Interestingly, it’s about swinging the golf club in a bathing suit.

The golfer sat down with Michael of the Bunkered Podcast, and they talked about many things, including his journey and thoughts after getting back on professional greens. While doing so, the golfer was also asked, “How long do you reckon you went without touching the golf club or swinging a golf club?” As a response, Kim revealed an interesting story.

“I definitely swung a golf club for nine holes, you know, in a bathing suit in Mexico, maybe five years after I got done playing, but I don’t remember it well,” said the 39-year-old. Anthony Kim further added, “I was having a good time, and then I didn’t touch a club for another three years, and maybe I hit 40 balls on the range, and then, you know, so maybe, like, five times over 12 and a half years that I played golf.” Kim’s hardships did not really leave him much time to play golf.

Kim left the professional greens back in 2012. During his time away, he had seven surgeries on different parts of his body, including the spine, hand, and shoulder. Besides that, the golfer struggled with an addiction to alcohol and some bad company, which he now refers to as his “very dark demons.”

Upon his return, the golfer was grateful for this new life and also thanked LIV Golf for granting him the opportunity, saying, “I am so grateful @livgolf_league for this second chance, as I know not everyone gets them. I’ll continue to call it as I see it.” Surprisingly, that is not the only story he has about golf.

Anthony Kim never “loved” golf

Kim turned pro back in 2006, joined the PGA Tour in 2007, and claimed three PGA Tour titles. His last PGA Tour victory was at the 2010 Shell Houston Open. Fast forward to 2024; he joined LIV Golf after returning and is yet to claim a victory. However, Kim is already famous thanks to his performance at the Ryder Cup and more. Despite the spotlight and the success he has had in the sport, he revealed back in April this year, “I have an interesting relationship with golf. I don’t think I ever loved it.”

Certainly, things have changed a lot for the golfer and his thought process toward the game has also shifted. He is now starting to love and enjoy the game more and said, “What’s very weird to me right now is that I’m falling in love with the game.” Anthony Kim now also prioritizes his mental health as well as that of his fans. Interestingly, he also has a dedicated X account to support his followers in dealing with mental health issues.

What do you think about Anthony Kim and his stories? Do let us know in the comments below!