Anthony Kim battled injuries, ‘very dark demons’ during absence

LONDON: Anthony Kim admitted to battling significant injuries, an addictive personality and “very dark demons” during his near-12-year absence hiatus from professional golf before returning to LIV Golf in late February.

Kim, 38, shed light on all that he has overcome in an interview with David Feherty that was published on LIV Golf Plus on Tuesday. “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 low moments. I’ve felt very alone, even when there’s a million people around. I needed to get my mind straight and figure out what my purpose was on this planet.”

Kim turned pro in 2006 and recorded PGA Tour victories at the 2008 Wachovia Championship, 2008 AT&T National and 2010 Houston Open. He climbed as high as No. 6 in the world rankings in September 2008.

An Achilles injury in 2012 led to surgery, and many others followed. “I’ve had multiple shoulder surgeries. Hand surgery, spinal fusion, but had a lot of injuries and a lot of surgeries,” Kim said. “I think I’m actually hitting the ball farther now than when I left the game. So maybe some of this metal is helping.”

Kim also acknowledged other issues that weighed on him as he dealt with an admitted “addictive personality.” “I was around some bad people,” Kim said. “People that took advantage of me -- scam artists. And when you’re 24 or 25, even 30 years old, you don’t realize the snakes that are living under your roof. But through the grace of God, I’m here. I’m able to tell my story, hopefully inspire other people.”

Kim returned to professional golf at LIV Golf Jeddah in March, struggling to a 16-over finish in his debut. He fared significantly better the following week in Hong Kong, ending up 3-over at the tournament.