Anthony Kim seems to be having trouble taking off. The 38-year-old’s performance at LIV Golf Jeddah seems to be off to a really slow start, finishing last on the leaderboard with +6 on the tables. This return is far from his glory days, when he was touted to be the next Tiger Woods. But more than that, could he really make Greg Norman reconsider his place at LIV Golf?
A twelve-year gap from the greens would leave anyone feeling a bit rusty, but in his case, there is a different issue. He was the most anticipated player on the roster due to his return, and such a disappointing performance has left the fans jilted. A total of 7 bogeys, and 1 birdie, and yet Kim found a friend in Greg Norman.
Greg Norman said that the Saudi-league had reached out to Anthony Kim two years ago. “We reached out to him early on, but it wasn’t the right time for him.” The CEO sure does not seem to be taking this performance to heart, despite being actively involved in negotiations of getting Kim on the league. “Whatever happens today doesn’t matter. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step,” said Norman.
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Greg Norman says LIV reached out to Anthony Kim 2 years ago.
“We reached out to him early on but it wasn’t the right time for him. Whatever happens today doesn't matter. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.”
It’s obvious that Greg had a huge part to play… pic.twitter.com/zYsSjAr0me
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) March 1, 2024
Judging by his performance, one could say that Norman is right about Kim not being ready a couple of years ago. Although Norman might have decided not to go hard on AK, the golf world has made no such promises.
Anthony Kim fails to impress the golf world
We can expect Anthony Kim to continue playing at LIV beyond his wildcard status, and that too with two rounds remaining at the Jeddah event. The vitriol coming from the fans, however, seems to tell a different story.
Read more: Who Is Anthony Kim’s Caddie? Meet Ryan Todey, His Longtime Friend Turned Bagman
The fans seem to be divided on Kim’s poor performance at Jeddah. Most of them are disappointed in the poor performance of the former PGA star. This is to be expected, as for someone once compared to the top-ranking player of all time, his being placed last on the greens is sure to turn mouths sour. So sour, that a fan exclaimed, “This guy stinks.”
+3 through 9.. This guy stinks!
— Paddy Daly (@PaddyDalyGolf) March 1, 2024
There were however few who didn’t hold such an extreme opinion. They believe that with Jeddah and Hong Kong, and the support he has with LIV Golf is sure to get his game back.
There are clearly a lot of nerves. He'll be better for playing Jeddah and Hong Kong. There's a lot of goodwill and support for Anthony to get him back feeling comfortable on the course. This is the first step.
— MikeMa (@MikeMa583339) March 1, 2024
One fan seems to be of the opinion that this is not even a story that is worth following, and LIV is just doing this in hopes of getting more eyeballs to watch.
+6-on the 18th…I guess today is "the first step"…honestly..why is this even a story? LIV was looking for a gimmick ..
— MPS (@Michaelgolf0764) March 1, 2024
Many fans have now expressed their frustration with LIV Golf. One fan says that most of the league is not serious, with only 1/4th of the league actually caring.
And we are supposed to take this tour seriously? 1/4th do care about their golf, the other 3/4ths is a clown show.
— Fernando Rodríguez (@ferroddom) March 1, 2024
One fan seem to be hell annoyed by AK’s “dead last” performance, and asked LIV Golf to make an exception.
Dead last
Can LIV make and exception and cut this guy now?— Degen Dan (@DS39SportsInfo) March 1, 2024
Is Anthony Kim a “make a wish kid?” A fans think so!
Why is Greg talking about him like he’s some make a wish kid?
— Bobby Tarantino (@guiseppefuego) March 1, 2024
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With this much chatter around the event, and Kim’s return, these reactions were expected. However, its to early to just count him out. Sure, he might be placed at the bottom just yet, but we do need to remember that this is the same player who one time stood amongst the greats. we can only wait and watch as the game advances.
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What do you think about his performance? Do let us know down below.
Read more: Phil Mickelson Delivers 7-Word Verdict on Anthony Kim’s Comeback Ahead of LIV Golf Jeddah