Anthony Kim marked his much-anticipated comeback to professional golf at the Jeddah event in Saudi Arabia this past weekend, representing LIV Golf.
After an absence of over 12 years from the professional circuit, expectations for a stellar performance were understandably tempered. As anticipated, Kim faced significant challenges throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard with a 4-over 74 on Sunday.
His overall performance in the tournament resulted in a disappointing +16, leaving him trailing 11 shots behind Hudson Swafford, who secured the second-to-last position.
Reflecting on his return, Kim acknowledges the work that lies ahead but remains optimistic about his progress. Despite his struggles, he finds encouragement in the direction of his game.
“Playing like I did, I’m actually more encouraged. It wasn’t my best performance, but I’m optimistic about what lies ahead. I’m gradually finding my rhythm again and rediscovering elements of my game,” remarked Kim after completing his final round.
Kim expressed frustration with his score, believing that he played better than the numbers reflected. He felt particularly comfortable during the last day of play despite finishing over par. Kim lamented missed opportunities, recognizing that with minor adjustments, he could have delivered a sub-par performance.
The slow starts to each day proved to be a significant obstacle for Kim, preventing him from mounting a serious challenge and contributing to his overall score. Acknowledging this, Kim identified the need to find his rhythm earlier in the rounds to improve his performance.
Recognizing the challenges inherent in returning to competitive play after an extended hiatus, both Kim and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman remain committed to supporting the former top-10 player as he endeavors to rediscover his form.
Kim’s next opportunity to showcase his progress will come at the Hong Kong event scheduled for March 8-10.
Kendall Capps serves as the Senior Editor of SB Nation’s Playing Through. For comprehensive golf coverage, follow @_PlayingThrough on all major social media platforms.
