Despite a 12-year break, the bookies think Anthony Kim has a higher chance of winning at LIV Golf Jeddah than six-time major champion Phil Mickelson.
With 45 PGA Tour victories and six major championships under his belt, Mickelson is undoubtedly the most well-known player in LIV. However, he has not yet had success on the breakaway circuit. The 53-year-old’s best finish came in a tie for eighth place at LIV Chicago back in 2022.
Even though he is no longer the exceptional golfer he once was, Phil Mickelson, who won the 2021 PGA Championship and became the sport’s oldest major champion, understands just how to win a golf championship.
Despite his history, Mickelson’s prospects of ending his drought without a LIV victory in Saudi Arabia this week seem remote, as Betway has him rated at 200/1 to win the title. Although he hasn’t played competitive golf in 12 years, Anthony Kim, Mickelson’s former Ryder Cup teammate, is surprisingly ranked higher in the betting at 150/1.
In the late 2000s, Kim made a name for himself as one of the game’s brightest prospects by winning three times on the PGA Tour in two years, which helped him climb to No. 6 in the global rankings. However, things quickly collapsed after the American experienced many medical setbacks.
Following three consecutive withdrawals culminating in the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship, Kim found himself lost in the world of golf, leading many to surmise that the three-time champion had reached the end of his career. But after a remarkable 12-year hiatus, the American decided to sign as a wildcard with LIV Golf for this week’s trip to Saudi Arabia.
Anthony Kim is back playing professionally in golf.
Anthony Kim is back playing professionally
Although Kim’s performance after a lengthy absence is unknown, pre-tournament betting suggests he has a greater chance than players like Mickelson, Lee Westwood, and Martin Kaymer. For the first time since 2012, Kim broke his silence and released a statement, saying, “I’m happy to officially announce my return to the world of professional golf after stepping away from the game due to injury years ago.”
It’s taken a while, but I’m really appreciative of all the highs, lows, and lessons I gained from the beginning of my career. I’m on a quest to convince myself that I can succeed once more, and I want to compete against the world’s top players. I’m eager to give it my all this season in the LIV Golf League as I embark on the next phase of that adventure.
“LIV Golf was launched to create new opportunities for players and fans that drive this sport forward in exciting ways, and when I think of Anthony Kim, I can’t imagine a more perfect fit for what we’re trying to do,” said the Australian, who was greeted with a warm reception by LIV CEO Greg Norman.
“There is no denying his talent, and we are excited to have him return to the professional ranks of golf with our league. He obviously has what it takes to succeed once more and demonstrate why he was once among the most captivating players in the world, and we will help him in his endeavors to earn his way back to the top of the game.
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