Anthony Kim 'on a mission' as he returns with LIV Golf

Anthony Kim is "on a mission" as he ends a 12-year absence this week at the LIV Golf Jeddah tournament in Saudi Arabia.

The league officially announced the three-time PGA Tour winner's return to professional golf for the first time since undergoing surgery in 2012 to repair his left Achilles tendon.

"After stepping away from the game years ago due to injury, I'm happy to officially announce my return to the world of professional golf," Kim said in a news release Wednesday. "It's been a long time coming, and I'm very grateful for all the highs, lows and lessons learned from the first part of my career. I want to compete with the best players in the world, and I'm on a mission to prove to myself that I can win again. The next step on that journey starts now, and I'm excited to give everything I've got this season on the LIV Golf League."

Kim, 38, will compete in the LIV Golf League as a season-long wild-card player.

"LIV Golf was launched to create new opportunities for players and fans that drive this sport forward in exciting ways, and when I think of Anthony Kim, I can't imagine a more perfect fit for what we're trying to do. His talent is undeniable, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to professional golf with our league," LIV Golf commissioner and CEO Greg Norman said. "It's clear that he has the fire to win again and show why he was one of the most compelling players in the world, and we will support him on that mission as he works to earn his way back to the top of the game."

Kim turned pro in 2006 and recorded PGA Tour victories at the 2008 Wachovia Championship, 2008 AT&T National and 2010 Houston Open. He climbed as high as No. 6 in the world rankings in September 2008.

LIV Golf's new format includes two wild-card players. Each event in 2024 features 13 teams of four players each, and two wild cards. Kim will earn points as an individual and could eventually land a place on a LIV Golf team.

—Field Level Media