Anthony Kim takes light-hearted dig at slow play on LIV Golf

Anthony Kim took aim at slow players in the LIV Golf League after creating a slim chance for his first victory since returning to the sport. 

The 40-year-old American is in solo third on 14-under after 54 holes at the breakaway tour's second stop of the 2026 campaign in Australia. 

Kim will need something extremely special tomorrow at The Grange in Adelaide if he is to reel in leaders Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. 

But the fact he is in this position is a win in and of itself for Kim, who returned to professional golf in late 2024 after a 12-year absence from the sport. 

"I've worked hard, and I knew this day would come at some point," Kim told reporters on Saturday.  

"Obviously Bryson is at 20-something under or whatever he is, and he's got a huge lead, but I'm at least putting myself where I feel like I belong, and the practice is paying off."

Kim last played in a PGA Tour event in 2012 after a promising start to a career that saw him win three times and play a starring role in the United States' 2008 Ryder Cup victory on home soil. 

He stepped away from the sport after suffering persistent injuries, especially a major Achilles tendon issue. 

His whereabouts was frequently speculated about, with social media sometimes buzzing at the mere mention he had been sighted. 

The reality was his life descended into despair, with the golfer battling addiction and anxiety. 

He returned to professional golf with LIV in late 2024 in a move that was labelled a publicity stunt by some. 

After being relegated last season, some expected Kim to step away from the sport again. 

But he won his spot back with LIV at their promotions event in January and, ahead of this week's tournament, was signed to Dustin Johnson's 4 Aces team. 

Kim has filled the spot vacated by Patrick Reed after the former Masters champion quit LIV in January. 

Watch...

Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau discuss AK's return...

"It was always the goal to be in the final group, giving yourself a chance to win a golf tournament, or else I wouldn't have been practicing and playing on this league," Kim said. 

"But if you'd have asked me [I'd be doing this] three years ago, I would have told you you were on drugs."

Asked by one reporter if he is a "leaderboard watcher", Kim said: "There's a few slow players out here, so a lot of times when I'm stuck behind them, that's all I've got to do."

LIV Golf does enforce slow-play penalties and can fine players under their rules and regulations. 

England's Richard Bland and Poland's Adrian Meronk have been slapped with slow play penalties in the past. 

Both received a $10,000 fine and were docked one stroke.