Anthony Kim will make his first American start in 12 years this week when he competes in LIV Golf's Miami event. In a recorded interview released Tuesday, Kim shed some light on the “dark demons” he battled during that 12-year ad campaign.
In an edited article on the LIV platform, Kim told LIV broadcaster David Feherty in detail what life was like away from golf. He cited addiction problems that doctors told him would not allow him to have children. Kim stated that he had great times over the past decade but that he “literally cannot remember” any of those times. He had not played golf for years, and only returned to the game when his wife wanted to learn.
“Golf is important to me and not important to me at the same time,” Kim said. “I've had some very dark moments. I've had some very bad moments. I felt very alone, even when there were a million people around me. I needed to realign my thoughts and figure out my purpose on this planet.”
Kim acknowledged the reported insurance policy that allegedly allowed him to collect $10 million not to play, but said he was not at liberty to disclose the matter.
“I know the public perception is that I took this money and ran away and decided I was going to have a good time,” Kim said. “This has never been the case. I've had multiple, multiple surgeries in the span of a few years. My body still isn't what it used to be.” Kim said he had multiple surgeries to address some of the injuries that sent him “out of the PGA Tour in his prime.” Hand surgery, spinal fusion, but I had a lot of injuries and a lot of surgeries. I think I'm actually hitting the ball further now than it was when I left the game. So maybe some of that mineral helps.”
Kim said he was also a victim of “scam artists” and “snakes.” “I was around some bad people,” Kim said. “The people who took advantage of me – they are con artists. And when you are 24, 25, or even 30, you don't realize the snakes that live under your roof. But by the grace of God, here I am able to tell my story, and hopefully inspire others.
Kim didn't go into much depth, saying he was saving the rest of his story for a documentary he's working on.
Kim made his LIV debut last month in Saudi Arabia, where he finished last by 11 shots. In two other matches, he came 50th out of 54 players at the LIV leg in Hong Kong and missed the Asian Tour. However, Kim – a three-time PGA Tour winner – says he can “definitely” return to a high level again in golf.
“I have an interesting relationship with golf,” Kim said. “I don't think I liked it at all. What's very strange to me is that I fall in love with the game. That's a weird place for me because golf was full of pressure. Golf was full of a lot of different emotions for me. Me.
He later added: “I am more ready than ever to succeed.” “I don't think I was like that in my first career because I didn't know what to expect. It was my mistakes that caused me to fall into such a deep hole. Having better people around at this time definitely helps.
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