Why Did Anthony Kim Leave The PGA Tour? Exploring His Decision Amid Recent Rumors

With three wins in three years on the PGA Tour, Anthony Kim was not an ordinary golfer. The then-youngster was compared to the golfing great Tiger Woods. Unfortunately, the rising star could not reach his fullest potential as an abrupt stop had inflicted his pro career.

Over the years, the golf world has missed Kim on the greens, but as a decade has passed, the hopes of the 36-year-old teeing up once again were deemed next to impossible. However, he is soon to be on the course again. But why did he leave it in the first place?

The culprit behind Anthony Kim’s early retirement 

In 2012, Anthony Kim withdrew from the third consecutive event. It was just his seventh year on the PGA Tour. Two years earlier, Kim had acquired his third victory on the Tour at the 2010 Shell Houston Open. Moreover, in the last few years before he vanished from the North American Circuit, the Asian American golfer had many top finishes and reached his career high of being 6th ranked.

The path to success for Kim looked admirable and achievable. The then-26-year-old entered the 2012 season with a similar mojo. However, he could not replicate his former success. Kim played ten events, out of which he missed the cut four times and withdrew three times.

The Korean-American managed to make the cut for the 2012 Honda Classic and Arnold Palmer Invitational but ended up at T42 and T66 on the leaderboards, respectively. The three-time PGA Tour winner challenges did not end there he also suffered a torn Achilles, tendinitis in his left forearm, and a painful right elbow.

As prescribed by doctors, Kim had to undergo rehabilitation without any surgery, after withdrawing from the Wells Fargo Championship. Kim had been missing the golf course for longer than a decade. However, as per Golf.com, he is rumored to make a comeback but it remains a mystery if he’d join the Tour or Saudi-backed league to recompense his insurance money.

Anthony Kim’s insurance money, a hindrance to his golf comeback 

When Anthony Kim retired from the golf field in 2012, he claimed a hefty amount of insurance because of the abrupt halt to his career. Reportedly, the 38-year-old has claimed a reported $10 to $20 million in insurance. Since the time of his unexpected departure from the Tour, Kim’s policy has been observed as an obstacle to his return.

Read More: PGA Tour Rumors: Anthony Kim May Cold-Bloodedly Ignore LIV Golf After 12-Year Absence

In 2014, former Sports Illustrated writer Alan Shipnuch wrote that if Kim retired before turning 29, he could cash in all the insurance money. Shipnuck reported that if he did come back, the insurance would be void. However, as the rumors of Kim’s return are afloat, a threat to his career is that Kim would have to return the insurance money once he comes back.

As a result, the PIF-backed league looks like a suitable choice for Kim because they might offer a lucrative deal, and he would never have a fear of missing cuts. However, as per reports, Kim will not be joining LIV Golf and has been welcomed by the PGA Tour with open arms. What will be the next step for Kim? Stay tuned to find out.

Watch This Story |  LIV Golf News: 3 Major Takeaways as the $3B PGA Tour-PIF Merger Gets Extended, Per Reports