Anthony Kim has made a decision during LIV Golf’s off-season (Image: Getty Images)
Former PGA Tour sensation Anthony Kim is poised for a surprise appearance at the Asian Tour’s International Series this month.
The Californian golfer, who was absent from the competitive scene for 12 years before returning this year with LIV Golf, decided to commit to the Qatar event after receiving a wildcard from the Saudi-backed circuit.
As LIV’s 2024 season concluded in September with the Team Championship, players are facing a long break before they can resume action on the tour. A five-month off-season means the league won’t recommence until February 2025.
In the interim, many LIV members have opted to compete in the league’s feeder tour, the International Series, with the next event set to take place at Doha Golf Club in the Qatar capital.
Among the 18-strong field are Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel, as well as Kim, one of the league’s 2024 wildcards.
Kim was a surprise acquisition by the Saudi-backed circuit earlier this year, after being away from competitive action for over a decade. After being signed up as one of the league’s wildcards, Kim found it challenging to recapture the form that earmarked him as a rising star early in his career.
Reflecting on his shock decision to make the return earlier this year, motivated by a desire to support his family, he shared: “When Greg [Norman] and I spoke before I made the decision to come to LIV, he talked about how he wanted me to be around my family and to feel supported.
“Not feel like I’m an island and you walk by everybody and you to the extent say hello. I’m not saying everyone on this tour is best friends, but there’s definitely a lot of support out here.
“My family has been treated world-class by everyone, whether it be Jane and the media team, Greg, Jed, all those guys have been amazing.
“It’s easy to reach out to them and get support. I know that I have a lot of people coming into town this week, and Martin with travel has just made everything so easy.”