Anthony Kim hits out at LIV Golf criticism after making electric start at Australia event

Anthony Kim hit back at criticism directed towards him over his decision to join LIV Golf, after the former PGA Tour star enjoyed his best start at a tournament since making his return to professional golf at LIV Adelaide.

Kim kicked off his week at The Grange with a solid one-under-par 71 on Friday, the first time he has started a LIV event on the right side of even-par. Despite three bogeys across his 18 holes, the American star got himself into the red in round one following birdies at the third, ninth, 10th and 13th.

Kim's recent return proved to be one of the most well-documented LIV signings to date earlier this year, having been absent from professional golf for almost 12 years.

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The 38-year-old proved to be one of golf's most popular stars in the late 2000's and early 2010's but after a string of injuries, he opted to give up the game. In February though, Kim made a remarkable comeback, signing on the dotted line with Greg Norman as a LIV wildcard for 2024.

Things have been tough for the American since making his return, but he showed glimmers of his old self in Adelaide on Friday. Like many other LIV stars, Kim has faced criticism for his decision to make the Saudi switch, including in the aftermath of his opening round down under.

One fan accused Kim of taking 'corrupt money' to play ' Mickey Mouse ' golf on X. Offering a calm and collective response, Kim replied: "U believe what u want big guy. There are great players on both tours and I’m happy to be playing. Things will get better buddy keep ur chin up."

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Anthony Kim fired back at a LIV Golf critic
(Image: Getty Images)

Kim's 12-year absence proved to be the biggest mystery in professional golf, before finally ending his exile in January. Earlier this month the American opened up on the reasoning behind his decision to remove himself from the public scene, revealing he was poorly treated by those around him at the start of his pro career.

"I will be honest I have probably shed around 98 percent of the people who used to be around me," Kim said in an interview with LIV. "I’m not going to lie, I was around some bad people. People that took advantage of me, scam artists. And when you’re 24 or 25, even 30 years old, you don’t realize the snakes that are living under your roof.

"People blackmailed me, took advantage of me in different ways... but through the grace of God, I’m here. I’m able to tell my story, hopefully inspire other people and, again, my daughter’s going to be proud of me no matter how I play and that’s the most important thing to me."