Nina Caldwell
After a 12-year hiatus from professional golf, Anthony Kim returned to the sport in 2024. During his time away, Kim battled injuries, addiction, and very dark demons. He has been open about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, which he used to numb the pain, and has celebrated two years of sobriety. Kim has also undergone multiple surgeries, including spinal fusion surgery and an operation on his Achilles tendon. He has credited his wife, Emily, and their daughter, Bella, with helping him turn his life around.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for disappearance | Spinal fusion surgery, addiction, and "very dark demons" |
| Type of addiction | Drugs and alcohol |
| Reason for addiction | To "numb the pain" |
| Injuries | Spinal fusion surgery, Achilles tendon injury, hand and shoulder surgeries |
| Length of disappearance | 12 years |
| Return to golf | Joined the 2024 LIV Golf League at the Jeddah event in Saudi Arabia |
| Performance since return | Mostly flat; highest showing in 11 tournaments in 2024 was 36th out of 54 |
| Current health issues | Blood clot in the leg |
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What You'll Learn
Anthony Kim's 12-year hiatus from golf
In 2012, Anthony Kim underwent surgery on his left Achilles tendon and then vanished from the public eye. After a 12-year hiatus, he returned to professional golf in 2024, joining the LIV Golf League. During his time away from the sport, Kim battled numerous injuries and addictions, as well as "very dark demons". He underwent multiple surgeries, including spinal fusion surgery, and experienced feelings of loneliness and depression.
Kim has been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health during his hiatus. In a social media post celebrating two years of sobriety, he shared that he had used drugs and alcohol to "numb the pain" and had contemplated suicide. He also acknowledged the impact of "scam artists" and "snakes" in his life, and expressed gratitude for the support of his wife, Emily, and their daughter, Bella, in his journey towards recovery.
Kim's return to golf was gradual and motivated by his wife's interest in the game. He initially played as a wildcard in LIV Golf League tournaments, competing in individual events without his scores affecting team standings. While his initial tournament results were mixed, he has continued to work on his game and rebuild his relationship with golf.
During his time away from the professional circuit, Kim also received a financial settlement, reportedly worth millions, which caused some speculation about his activities. However, he clarified that the money was not the reason for his break from golf, but rather the result of his numerous surgeries and ongoing health challenges.
Kim's disappearance from the golf scene and his subsequent return have been a source of intrigue for fans and followers of the sport. His openness about his personal struggles has shed light on the challenges faced by professional athletes and has inspired others facing similar battles with addiction and mental health issues.
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Kim's battle with addiction
After a successful start to his career, Anthony Kim disappeared from the public eye in 2012. He underwent surgery on his left Achilles tendon and was expected to miss 9 to 12 months of golf. However, he failed to return to the sport, and in 2014 it was reported that he no longer played golf, even recreationally. In 2016, Kim stated that he was not ready to play professionally again, citing ongoing physical therapy and multiple surgeries as reasons for his absence.
During his 12-year hiatus from professional golf, Kim battled addiction and "very dark demons". In a social media post celebrating two years of sobriety, Kim revealed that he had used drugs and alcohol to "numb the pain" and that he had contemplated suicide for almost two decades. He also acknowledged that he had an addictive personality and knew he "needed help for a long time". Kim credited his wife, Emily, and their young daughter, Bella, with helping him turn his life around. He also shared that he had been victimized by "scam artists" and "snakes" during his younger years and had cut off most of the people from his past.
In an interview, Kim opened up about his long road back to professional golf, expressing that he had felt very alone during his hiatus. He shared that in addition to his battles with addiction, he had undergone multiple surgeries, including spinal fusion surgery, and faced personal struggles. Kim also revealed that he had an interesting relationship with golf, stating that he didn't think he had ever truly loved the game. He attributed the pressure and emotions associated with golf to his aggressive nature, both on and off the course, which ultimately contributed to his demise.
Kim made his return to professional golf in 2024, joining the LIV Golf League. He acknowledged that his return to the sport had been mostly flat in terms of results, but he was grateful to be able to share his story and inspire others. Kim's honesty and courage in facing his struggles serve as a testament to his character and resilience.
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Spinal fusion surgery and other injuries
Professional golfer Anthony Kim took a 12-year hiatus from the sport, during which he underwent multiple surgeries and battled addiction. Kim has been open about his struggles, revealing that he had an addictive personality and knew he needed help for a long time. He has also credited his wife, Emily, and their daughter, Bella, with helping him turn his life around.
In June 2012, Kim underwent surgery on his left Achilles tendon and publicly vanished. He was eligible for the 2013 season on a Major Medical Exemption but did not play a single tournament. In 2014, it was reported that Kim no longer played golf, even recreationally. Kim cited ongoing physical therapy and numerous surgeries as reasons for delaying his return to professional golf.
In addition to the Achilles tendon injury, Kim underwent spinal fusion surgery and had surgeries on his hand and shoulder. He described his long road back to professional golf, including the multiple surgeries he had to endure. Kim also mentioned that his body is still not what it used to be, even after all the surgeries.
Kim's return to golf has been gradual, with his first tournament back in 2024 resulting in a last-place finish. He has also been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health, celebrating two years of sobriety in 2025. In February 2025, Kim revealed that he had been diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg, which prevented him from participating in the early February event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Kim's disappearance from the golf scene was a mystery to many, and his return has been a testament to his resilience and determination. He has been open about his struggles, both physical and mental, and his journey back to the sport has inspired many.
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Kim's return to golf
After a 12-year hiatus, Anthony Kim returned to professional golf in 2024, joining the LIV Golf League. During his time away from the sport, Kim battled injuries, addiction, and "very dark demons". He underwent multiple surgeries, including spinal fusion surgery and an operation on his Achilles tendon, which kept him out of action for 9 to 12 months. Kim also struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, using substances to "numb the pain". He has been open about his mental health struggles, admitting he had contemplated suicide and had an addictive personality.
In an interview, Kim addressed the public perception that he had taken a large insurance settlement and disappeared, insisting that this was not the case and that he had undergone numerous surgeries. He credited his wife, Emily, and their young daughter, Bella, with helping him turn his life around. Kim also acknowledged the support of his sober coach and said he was grateful for the chance to tell his story and inspire others.
While Kim's results since his return have been mixed, he has expressed a renewed love for the game, stating that he is "falling in love with the game" and that his relationship with golf is "interesting". Kim's return to the sport has been a source of inspiration for many, given his long struggle with injuries and addiction.
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His relationship with golf
Anthony Kim's relationship with golf has been a tumultuous one. Kim turned professional in 2006 and enjoyed a string of successes on the PGA Tour, including winning the 2008 Wachovia Championship and the 2008 AT&T National, as well as being part of the winning Ryder Cup team in 2008 and setting a Masters single-round record of 11 birdies in 2009.
However, in June 2012, Kim underwent surgery on his left Achilles tendon and subsequently vanished from the public eye. In the years that followed, Kim battled with addiction, undergoing multiple surgeries and facing personal struggles. During this time, he also suffered from mental health issues, contemplating suicide and using drugs and alcohol to "numb the pain".
In an interview, Kim reflected on his relationship with golf, stating that he didn't think he ever truly loved the game. He acknowledged the pressure and emotions associated with golf due to the sacrifices his family made to provide him with the opportunity to play. Despite this complex relationship, Kim made a return to professional golf in 2024, joining the LIV Golf League. He credited his wife, Emily, and their daughter, Bella, with helping him turn his life around and rediscover his passion for the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Anthony Kim took a break from golf due to injuries, addiction, and mental health issues. He has spoken about his struggles with drug and alcohol use, and has also had multiple surgeries, including spinal fusion surgery and an operation on his Achilles tendon.
Anthony Kim's hiatus from golf lasted around 12 years. He returned to the sport in March 2024, joining the LIV Golf League.
Yes, Anthony Kim spoke publicly about his struggles during his time away from golf. In a 2025 social media post, he celebrated two years of sobriety and opened up about his addiction and mental health struggles. He also gave an interview to LIV Golf Plus, which was published in April 2024, where he discussed his journey back to professional golf.
Anthony Kim has described his relationship with golf as "interesting". He has said that he didn't love the game before, but now feels like he is falling in love with it. He has also credited his wife, Emily, and their daughter, Bella, with helping him turn his life around.
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