Anthony Kim shoots lowest round of his comeback, has chance to earn LIV spot back

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The Anthony Kim comeback continues to pick up steam.

The 40-year-old golfer fired a bogey-free 64 at the Asian Tour’s PIF Saudi International. It’s his lowest round since returning to pro golf in 2024 after more than 11 years away due to injuries and personal reasons.

“My wife told me that if I make less bogeys than birdies my score will be good, so I followed that direction well today,” Kim told reporters in Saudi Arabia after.

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Kim is currently in a tie for third at 11-under through 36 holes and in a tie for third place with Tyrrell Hatton and Josele Ballester. He’s two shots behind Thomas Pieters and three shots behind leader Caleb Surratt heading into the weekend.

Phil Mickelson was among those taking notice of Kim’s strong play on Thursday.

But Kim will need to keep it up if he’s going to earn his spot back on LIV Golf. After competing on the Saudi-backed circuit as a wildcard for two seasons, Kim was relegated in August.

However, he’s now made four of five cuts on the Asian Tour since, including this week. And there’s a path back to LIV if he finishes in the top two of the International Series standings, which concludes this week. Kim would need to win and have other things go his way to grab one of those two spots.

“Yeah, I’m finally starting to see some of the work show,” the former Ryder Cup star said. “I haven’t been able to swing like I have been in practice rounds and back at home in tournament golf, but it’s starting to show up and starting to feel more comfortable out here.”

Kim’s last win came at the 2010 Shell Houston Open. His most recent top 10 came at the 2011 Singapore Open.

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