The 30-second clip features a volcanic eruption, a tree burning in the desert and a microscopic close-up of a human eye. No, it’s not the latest preview for a Planet Earth sequel, it’s a social media teaser for a golf tournament. LIV Golf Jeddah, that is.
He isn’t announced by name, but dramatic slow-motion shots of his silhouette against the desert backdrop all but confirm it.
Anthony Kim, who disappeared from public view 12 years ago, is making a comeback to professional golf—or, as the video’s narrator phrases it, the 38-year-old pro is being ... “reborn?”
Either way, the mysterious Kim is supposedly making his return this week at LIV Golf’s event this week in Saudi Arabia.
LIV’s strange social media video seemed to be the official teaser for that long-awaited piece of news, which was reported Sunday by Sports Illustrated. The prospect of an Anthony Kim comeback was first revealed by Golf.com’s Dylan Dethier.
The Saudi-backed league shared the clip on its own platforms, but LIV CEO Greg Norman took it upon himself to distribute the teaser on his own accounts as well.
“He oozes incredible talent. The world has seen it in the past and now it is an honour as Commissioner of LIV Golf to give the opportunity for this star to be reborn,” Norman wrote. “Welcome back and to the LIV Golf family mate. The golf world has missed you.”
A three-time PGA Tour winner, Norman is correct in saying Kim has immense talent, but the former Ryder Cupper is 12 years removed from his last competitive start. It remains to be seen what is left of Kim’s game, which was formerly derailed by a series of injuries including a ruptured Achilles.
The Oklahoma State product’s mystique largely stems from a reported $10 million injury insurance policy that would be stripped from him if he ever played competitively again.
However Kim fares this week in Saudi Arabia as a “wild card” player for the team-format LIV Golf league, it is no surprise that social media is having a field day with the announcement.
Here are some of our favorite reactions to the LIV’s latest online stunt.
"Witness the dance of redemption." pic.twitter.com/5WcepoxDE4
— Brendan Porath (@BrendanPorath) February 26, 2024
AK’s return basically confirmed here. “The dance of redemption.” pic.twitter.com/mWctYgYVc6
— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) February 26, 2024
I’ve never seen a hype video made entirely of Dell computer desktop wallpapers before. Pretty cool
— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) February 26, 2024
https://t.co/qrrsMh3ceB
Kinda surprised the LIV AK hype video didn't end like this pic.twitter.com/zxsHQNQ4Ht
— Ryan Ballengee (@RyanBallengee) February 26, 2024
Heard Anthony Kim has signed up to “Grow the Game” pic.twitter.com/VzeCMZkbK4
— ted scott (@jtedscott) February 26, 2024
Real missed opportunity to not put Anthony Kim in the letterman jacket IMO https://t.co/6HJOvx10Gh
— Adam Woodard (@AdamWoodard) February 26, 2024
