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Former PGA Tour pro Anthony Kim spoke publicly for the first time about his decision to join the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf series in an interview ahead of this week's LIV Golf event in England. Kim, once considered one of the most talented young Americans on Tour before injuries derailed his career, had been away from competitive golf for over a decade before joining LIV Golf.

In a revealing interview, Kim gave insight into the three main options he was considering as he pondered a comeback to the game. According to Kim, it was a choice between joining the breakaway LIV Series, returning to play on the PGA Tour, or choosing not to play competitively again.

"I had three options; it was the PGA Tour, play here [LIV] or not play golf at all and all three had an equal shot," Kim said. After weighing each possibility and discussing his opportunities with both Tours, Kim was initially leaning towards walking away from the game for good. However, his wife advocated for taking the chance to return to competition with LIV Golf.

“After a few conversations with LIV and the PGA Tour, I was leaning towards not playing again, but my wife was like ‘who is ever going to get this opportunity again’.

Anthony Kim joined LIV in February/ Getty Images

Kim acknowledged there were "financial benefits" no matter which path he chose. While declining to give specifics, he suggested sponsorship offers from both Tours as well as independent brands were part of the discussions. In the end though, the freedom and schedule of LIV Golf is what won him over.

“I had financial benefits from both sides, that’s no secret. I had different sponsorship opportunities whether I played the PGA or LIV and I still have different opportunities.

Always known for his blunt honesty, Kim also commented on critics who claim LIV golfers just want an easy paycheck. "I've turned down more opportunities than I've accepted, sponsorship wise, because I didn't agree that they fit where I'm trying to go with my life," he said.

He turned down several sponsor deals in the past as he didn't feel they aligned with his goals and values.

“Was there offers to be sponsored and have logos on me and male lifechanging money? Yes, but I haven’t accepted those because if I endorse something, I want the people who follow me to say, ‘Anthony really believes in this’.”

After a few events as part of Greg Norman's rebel circuit, Kim is still finding his form again after over a decade away from Tour golf. But for longtime fans of the mercurial talent, his return to the limelight is surely welcome news after years in the wilderness. 

Kim expressed gratitude for how the PGA Tour supported his career in the past, allowing him to financially provide for his family including retiring his mother. But he felt LIV Golf best fit his current objectives of spending time with his young daughter and competing at a high level.

“The PGA Tour was unbelievable for a number of reasons in my life,” Kim expressed. “I got to retire my mum, that was my main goal playing golf.”

“My dream is to watch my daughter run onto that green and me hold her, and I’m going to do everything that I can to do that.

“If it means spending 18 hours on the course every day, I’m going to do that. At least give myself the opportunity because on the other side, people are doubting, laughing, criticising.

“I love it, that gives me more purpose and more energy to do what I’m doing.

“When I don’t think I can win, I won’t be playing. I’m not here to just get a platform, I’m here to be competitive.”

The former top-25 player in the world struggled in his LIV Golf debut season, with a best result of T46 at the Nashville event. However, Kim said he remains motivated to contend for wins and isn't just competing for exposure or money.

For now, the Saudi-backed circuit appears to have won the battle to keep one of golf's most talented but injured players involved in the game.

How high he might climb back up the world rankings remains to be seen, but regardless of results, Kim's heart seems back in the game.

References: https://www.golfwrx.com/743663/anthony-kim-reveals-the-3-options-he-had-before-joining-liv-golf/