LIV Golfer Anthony Kim has opened up about his tumultuous life journey in an insightful interview with David Feherty, titled ‘The Journey Back.’ The 38-year-old, who recently made his first US start in 12 years, was once known for his aggressive style of play and unwavering confidence on the golf course.
However, beneath the surface, Kim’s path was far from smooth sailing. He candidly shared surprising and hard-hitting stories, shedding light on the challenges he faced during his professional career and personal life.
Recounting his struggles, Kim revealed that during the summer of 2012, he became a recluse, spending most of his time indoors, watching reality TV, and overindulging in food. Surprisingly, he even shared that he had an unconventional living situation, with six dogs and two monkeys residing with him at one point, dubbing it an “animal house – literally and figuratively.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of the interview revolved around an alleged injury settlement that Kim supposedly received. While he declined to delve into specifics, he refuted the notion that he had simply taken the money and lived a carefree life.
Instead, Kim revealed that he had undergone numerous surgeries, including spinal fusion, the same procedure Tiger Woods underwent in 2017. “I’ve had a lot of injuries and a lot of surgeries,” he said, acknowledging that his body might never fully recover.
PGA Tour about a potential comeback
Despite being approached by the PGA Tour about a potential comeback, Kim admitted that he hadn’t picked up a club since 2012 until earlier this year when his wife, Emily, expressed a desire to learn the game. This reignited his passion for golf, and he confessed that he is now “falling in love with the game” after having an “interesting relationship” with it in the past.
Kim’s mental struggles were a recurring theme throughout the interview. He openly discussed his battle with self-worth and the dark places he found himself in due to the added pressure he felt from his family’s sacrifices to support his golf career.
“Sure, I was making some money and I was playing some golf and I was travelling the world, but I had no self-worth until I became a father – I really didn’t feel that,” Kim confided.
One of the most poignant moments came when Kim shared that he was told by a doctor that he might not be able to have children due to the toll his body had endured. However, against all odds, he was blessed with a daughter, Bella, who he described as “his everything.”
“bad people”
Reflecting on his past, Kim acknowledged that he had surrounded himself with “bad people” and “scam artists” who took advantage of him during his younger years. He has since shed “98% of the people” who were once in his inner circle.
Looking ahead, Kim is confident in his abilities to compete at the highest level once again with time and practice. His ultimate goal is to become a LIV Golf team captain, a testament to his unwavering determination and love for the game.
As Kim embarks on this next chapter, his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the redemptive power of self-discovery and personal growth.
