Anthony Kim, the former PGA Tour star with a meteoric rise and equally baffling fall from competitive golf, is making waves once again. The once-promising golfer, who had been away from the sport for 12 long years, is set to return to LIV Golf for the 2025 season. This decision follows his surprising comeback earlier this year, which had fans and analysts buzzing about this bold return to men's professional golf.
Kim’s leap back onto the professional scene came during the 2024 LIV Golf campaign, where he signed on as a wildcard participant alongside fellow golfer Hudson Swafford. After such a lengthy hiatus, it was uncertain whether his initial contract would stretch over to the 2025 season, which only added to the anticipation surrounding his future. Sources close to LIV Golf have now confirmed to Mirror US Sports—and confirmed with increasing clarity—that Kim has agreed to extend his participation.
The former star first graced the golf world with his presence again at the LIV Jeddah event back in March. Despite showcasing his experience and skills over 10 events with the league, Kim faced substantial challenges on the field. To the surprise of many, he finished the season without scoring any points within the standings, which initially raised eyebrows and questions about his future with LIV Golf.
Fortunately for him, his wildcard status kept him exempt from any relegation, allowing him to remain on the roster for the next season. While Swafford appears to be out of the picture—rumored not to have received another contract offer from the league—rumors of Kim’s return have solidified more recently.
Last week, Sports Illustrated indicated expectations of Kim's return to LIV Golf, and now it's all but official. The only remaining question is what role he will occupy within the lineup for 2025. Speculations abound; he could return as a single wildcard player, but other options may also be on the table.
One intriguing possibility involves the creation of what has been termed a 'wildcard team,' which would allow Kim to compete alongside the other established franchises within LIV Golf. This prospect significantly raises the stakes for the upcoming season and offers fresh terrain for long-time fans to explore.
Another route could see Kim carving out his niche on one of the existing teams. His name has recently been linked with Dustin Johnson's celebrated 4Aces squad. Johnson is reportedly strategizing over personnel changes after two of his team members, Pat Perez and Harold Varner III, narrowly escaped relegation, keeping both players on edge about their futures.
Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces are on the hunt for new talent as they look to reshape their lineup for 2025. Although Kim, now at the age of 39, might not fit the “youthful” mold the team is eyeing, he possesses ample camaraderie and shared experience with the other players. Earlier this season, he even participated in warm-up sessions with the team before the LIV Greenbrier event held back in August, showcasing potential compatibility.
If Kim were to secure his place on Johnson's roster, either Perez or Varner III would have to exit. Perez faced the possibility of being cut last year, yet he managed to snag an extension from his captain. Meanwhile, Varner III was traded over from the RangeGoats just last offseason, creating some tension within the roster. It’s uncertain what these team dynamics will look like come 2025, but much hinges on Kim’s decisions.
Nonetheless, Kim’s return to LIV Golf has brought renewed excitement within the golfing community, eager to witness whether he can recapture any of the brilliance he showcased prior to his break from the sport. With each loose end tied up and all eyes focused on the upcoming season, enthusiasts and analysts alike remain curious how this chapter of Kim's career will play out. Excitement is building as the golf world holds its breath, anticipating Kim's next move, and whether he can turn his comeback story around for himself and his supporters.
