The Fall of Golf's Golden Boy: How Anthony Kim Went From "Next Tiger" to LIV Golf Casualty

By Lewis Barnett 18 August, 2025 7 mins read 301 Views

Man, this one hurts to write.

Anthony Kim – remember that name? – just got the boot from LIV Golf after what can only be described as two years of absolute torture on the course. The guy they once called the "next Tiger Woods" couldn't even crack a single point in 23 tournaments. Not one. I've seen amateur golfers at my local muni have better runs than that.

Audio Summary of the Article

When $48 Million Can't Buy You Game

Here's the brutal math: LIV hands out points to anyone finishing in the top 24. Kim's best showing? T29 in Miami back in April. That's like being the smartest kid in summer school – technically an achievement, but...

The Saudi-backed league wrapped up its individual season in Indiana yesterday, and Kim found himself below that dreaded 49th spot in the standings. Game over. Pack your bags. The $48 million comeback deal that had everyone talking in 2023 just became the most expensive golf lesson in history.

I remember watching Kim back in 2008 when he was lifting the Ryder Cup with Team USA. Dude was electric – ranked 6th in the world, had that swagger that made you stop channel-surfing when he was on the back nine. Even Rory McIlroy said the Tour was "a better place with him in it."

The Party Boy Years (And Why They Matter)

Look, we all know the story. Kim had the talent but also had what he called a "party boy lifestyle." Injuries piled up. The game left him. By 2012, he was done – just walked away from professional golf like it was a bad relationship.

For twelve years, AK was a ghost. Then LIV came calling with that ridiculous contract, and suddenly everyone's wondering if lightning could strike twice.

It couldn't.

Poulter's Hail Mary Saves His Neck

While Kim was packing his clubs, Ian Poulter pulled off what might be the clutch performance of his career. The Englishman fired a 67 in the final round – four birdies in his last five holes – to leap over Henrik Stenson and avoid relegation himself.

Poor Stenson wasn't so lucky. The former British Open champ joins Kim, Andy Ogletree, Mito Pereira, and Luis Masaveu on the LIV Golf unemployment line. That's some serious talent getting axed, but this league doesn't mess around when it comes to performance standards.

What This Really Means

Kim's relegation isn't just about one player struggling to find his form after a decade-plus layoff. It's about the harsh reality that talent has an expiration date, and sometimes even $48 million can't turn back the clock.

The guy who once made golf look effortless – who had that rare combination of skill and charisma that made you believe he really could be the next Tiger – just couldn't recapture whatever made him special all those years ago.

Maybe some comebacks are better left as "what if" stories. Maybe AK should've stayed retired, kept the legend intact instead of letting us watch it crumble over 23 painful tournaments.

Either way, it's over now. And honestly? That might be for the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I golf alone or will I need someone to play with?

Golf can certainly be played solo, and many golfers enjoy the peace and personal challenge of playing a round by themselves. Solo play helps you concentrate on your golf without distractions, and is an excellent way to practice. Golf is a very social sport and playing with others enhances the experience. There's competition, camaraderie as well the chance to pick up new skills. Golf courses generally allow individual play, especially during less busy times, but some may pair single players with groups during peak hours to optimize course usage.

How do I calculate my golf handicap?

A golf handicap is an objective measure of the golfer's ability. It allows players with different skill levels to compete in a fair manner. To establish a handicap, you need to submit scores from a minimum number of rounds (the specific number may vary by country's golf association) to your golf club's handicap committee or a handicap service. The course difficulty and tee where you played are taken into account by a special calculation method. You can find out how handicaps are calculated by contacting your local golf club or national golf association.

How often do I need to practice golf in order to improve my skills?

It is not the quantity of practice that makes a difference, but the consistency. Beginners can see noticeable improvement by practicing twice to three times per week. All aspects of the sport should be given equal attention: long shots; short game; and putting. A quality practice involves having a specific goal for every practice session. For example, you might want to work on your swing technique, shot precision, or distance control. Include professional instruction whenever possible to ensure you practice effectively and don't reinforce bad techniques. Remember that hitting the ball as often as possible is not as important as making every shot count.

How do I choose the right golf club for a particular shot?

The club you choose depends on the distance, the wind conditions, your ability level and any hazards. In general, woods are used for long-distance shots when playing from the tee or fairway. Irons come into play as you move closer to the green, with lower-numbered irons (like a 4 or 5) used for longer approach shots, and higher-numbered irons (like an 8 or 9) for shorter approaches. A pitching/sand wedge will be chosen to hit precise shots near the hole. A putter will then be used to put on the green. Knowing the distance you need to hit each club for and what your average range is can help with club selection.

What do I need to know about the maintenance of golf courses and their impact on game play?

Golf course maintenance involves a wide range of practices from mowing to watering and aeration. The maintenance of a golf course can affect the play. In some cases, a course's maintenance can have a significant impact on the game. For instance, freshly aerated, less smooth greens, or heavily watered, longer, softer fairways, may result in a faster round. Knowing the maintenance schedules will help you plan your course strategy. Check local rules and notices prior to your round. They may provide information about temporary course conditions as a result of ongoing maintenance activities.

What type of golf ball should a beginner use?

Beginners need to select a ball which is durable, offers good distance and has a balance between control and distance. For beginners, it is often recommended that they use golf balls with a two-piece construction. Their hard outer layer, combined with a solid core, makes them cheaper, more durable and capable of travelling further distances. These balls are also less spinny and therefore offer better control. When a player develops their skills, trying out different balls (such as those with more spin or a soft feel) will help them refine their shot-making ability and preferences.

What can I do to improve my golfing swing?

It is possible to improve your golf swing with practice, proper technique and, often, with professional instruction. Start by establishing a good stance, grip and posture. It is essential to achieve a balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, grip the club correctly with neither too tight nor too loose a hold, and maintain a posture that allows for a fluid swing. Slow-motion practice is a great way to learn the elements of your swing path, the alignment of the clubface, and the point contact. Spend time on the practice area or driving range, as well as working with a coaching professional to get personalized feedback. Consistency matters, so you should focus more on repeating your good swing than hitting the golf ball hard.

Statistics

Studies show that practicing putting for at least 15 minutes before a round can improve a player's putting accuracy by as much as 25%.
Nearly half of all beginners cite social interaction as a primary reason for continuing to play golf after their initial introduction to the sport.
Approximately 2.2 million people took up the game of golf in 2020, reflecting a significant increase in interest among beginners.
More than 75% of beginners who participate in structured practice report feeling more confident on the golf course.
Over 35% of new golfers express the desire to play more rounds after experiencing their first full 18-hole game.
About 85% of golf instructors recommend that new players focus on short game skills as an effective way to reduce their scores.
Golfers who take lessons improve their game twice as fast as those who choose to learn through trial and error.

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How To

How to manage frustration and stress while playing golf

Managing stress and frustration on the golf course starts with setting realistic expectations for your abilities and the understanding that golf is a game of patience and learning. Use deep breathing to calm your nerves and stay focused. Use a regular routine to keep your mind focused on the present and redirect negative thoughts towards the current shot. Accept mistakes and use them to improve your game. Consider walking between the holes as an exercise to reduce stress. It will also help clear your head for the next shot. Golf is a game of recreation. The main objective is to have a good time.