Anthony Kim wasn’t satisfied with his strong result at the PIF Saudi International
Anthony Kim not satisfied with T-5 finish after relegation(Image: Getty Images)
Earning a top-five finish in golf is a huge accomplishment, but Anthony Kim doesn’t think so after the PIF Saudi International.
Kim made his long-awaited return to golf in 2024 after over a decade away from the game having battled a series of personal issues including mental illness, addiction and injuries. He joined LIV Golf in 2024 as a wild card entry, only to be relegated at the end of 2025. Now Kim is making a resurgence on the Asian Tour as he tries to get back into LIV, finishing in the top five at the PIF Saudi International.
“Obviously frustrating to not score better than I did. I had a lot of chances the first 11 holes but didn’t make enough putts,” said Kim. “Then I just made a couple of unforced errors at the end there. Obviously very frustrating.”
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Most would be happy carding a 70 during the final round and earning a top-five finish after a rollercoaster of a career, but not Kim. “I’ll feel better about it. Just disappointed with the last two rounds.”
Kim seemed to be much happier after the first round, when he carded a 67, as he said he hasn’t worked this hard since he was younger.
“I’m finally starting to see some of the work show. I haven’t been able to swing like I have been in practice rounds and back at home in tournament golf, but it’s starting to show up and starting to feel more comfortable out here.”
Anthony Kim trying to fall back in love with game of golf
“It’s hard work. This is the hardest I’ve worked since I was a little kid. I’ve fallen back in love with the game.
“I feel a lot of gratitude playing this game, getting to travel. We were in Dubai last week, in Saudi now. Just looking forward to the future.”
The 40-year old was relegated at the end of the season after a two year run, following 12 years away from the game. Kim is currently 127th in the LIV International Series Rankings. Only the top two players in the series will qualify for LIV Golf next season.
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Kim mentioned that he’s trying to fall back in love with the game again. “It means that I actually want to go to the golf course. I was so excited to leave the golf course when I had… you know, dealing with some of the mental illness and addiction issues.
“At this point I am excited to be here. I feel blessed to be here, and I am going to keep working as hard as I can.”
Anthony Kim ‘blessed to be here’ after relegation
“It is a lot easier when you start hitting fairways and making a few putts, absolutely. Getting kicked in the teeth every week over the last two years (on LIV Golf) playing against some of the major championship winners and some very successful players has been tough.
“I think I needed to be in that fire and I will be ready for the weekend.”
