By Joshua Lees
Anthony Kim is set to make his return to professional golf following a 12-year hiatus, after accepting a wildcard invitation to compete in LIV Golf's Jeddah event next week.
After announcing himself as one of golf's hottest prospects at the turn of the last decade, Kim has been a recluse from the sport after suffering a number of injury issues. 12 years on from his last competitive outing, though, he is set to make his comeback, and according to Golf Channel this is set to come on the LIV circuit.
The breakaway league has increased its field to 54 players for 2024 following the addition of Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team for the new campaign, leaving two temporary wildcard spots at each of their events.
READ MORE: Louis Oosthuizen calls for 'complete change' as LIV Golf star misses out on Masters
READ MORE: LIV Golf star recaptures form after Brooks Koepka spat and his comments speak volumes
One will be taken by Hudson Swafford for the full season, whilst the other will be rotated among other stars who have been unable to secure a full-time spot on the LIV roster. The opening two tournaments of 2024 saw Englishman Laurie Canter take the vacant spot, but this is set to be handed to Kim in Saudi Arabia next week.
The American's last competitive outing came back in 2012 the Wells Fargo Championship, but after being forced to withdraw from three events on the bounce, Kim appeared to have called time on his career. The former Ryder Cupper had previously forged his way into the top-10 in the world, winning three PGA Tour events between 2008 and 2010.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US .
Amid his injury issues, Kim entered golfing exile 12 years ago and during his time away acquired an insurance policy worth a reported £8million ($10m), which would be voided if he was to return to competition, according to Golf.com. In recent months though golf's forgotten man has been ramping up his preparation for a return, with both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf said to be interested in hosting his first event back.
Per the report, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman spoke directly with Kim over the phone to discuss the possibility of playing in Jeddah, and it appears the chat has done the trick. Kim may well have his fellow countryman and LIV star Dustin Johnson to thank, who reportedly played a part in linking the American with Norman after the league's initial interest in the former tour star was low.
In seven seasons Kim won just over £9.6m ($12.3m) in prize money while competing on the PGA Tour, with his best FedEx Cup finish coming 2008 where he ranked fourth in the season-long standings. The American will have the chance to add to his career earnings in Jeddah last week, with a cool £20m ($25m) purse on offer to those competing.