Sources — Anthony Kim in talks with PGA Tour, LIV about return،
Anthony Kim, who led the way on the PGA Tour for four seasons then disappeared from public view after injuries derailed his career nearly a dozen years ago, is in discussions with the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League to return to professional golfer, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.
Kim, 38, made his final start on the PGA Tour when he withdrew after the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship in May 2012. He underwent surgery to repair an Achilles tendon injury of the left leg the following month. Since then, he has not played in a professional tournament.
Golf.com first reported Thursday that Kim was mulling the possibility of a return. Sources confirmed to ESPN that Kim has stepped up her training in recent weeks.
According to sources, Kim is considering a potential return to professional tournaments this spring. One sticking point in his return is that he recouped at least part of a disability insurance policy that was worth between $10 million and $20 million. He would likely be required to repay much, if not all, of the settlement he received.
Kim could play in unsigned events as a former champion or through exemptions on the PGA Tour.
Golf.com reported that the LIV Golf League was not initially interested in signing Kim to a contract, but that commissioner Greg Norman called him to begin negotiations on a potential one-year deal.
Even though Kim hasn't played in over a decade, he still attracts great interest from golf fans. The former Oklahoma star turned professional in 2006 and tied for second while playing on a sponsor's exemption at the Valero Texas Open in her first start.
Kim's breakthrough came during the 2008 season, when he earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. He won again at the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, about two months later.
Kim was ranked sixth in the world at the peak of his career.
Kim is perhaps best known for his performance as a rookie in the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. He beat Spaniard Sergio Garcia 5 and 4 in Sunday's opening singles match, helping the United States to a 16½-11½ victory that ended Europe's three-game winning streak in the international event.
Kim has made 122 starts on the PGA Tour, earning approximately $12.2 million in winnings on the course. His last victory came when he beat Vaughn Taylor in a playoff at the 2010 Shell Open. A week later, he shot a 7-under 65 in the final round of the Masters and finished third, 4 shots behind winner Phil Mickelson.
In addition to the Achilles tendon injury, Kim suffered from tendonitis in his left arm and an injured left thumb during his career.
