Kim played a big part in the 2008 USA win at Valhalla and broke into the world’s top 10 before vanishing from the PGA Tour
August 2011. A second round of 71 is not sufficient for Anthony Kim to make the cut at the US PGA Championship, but falling short by one appears far from disastrous. Kim, 26, had tied fifth at the Open Championship just weeks earlier demonstrating the versatility that had earned him third place in the 2010 Masters. At Augusta National in 2009, Kim had birdied 11 holes in a single round. With Tiger Woods wilting, Kim appeared a legitimate successor to the throne, and one who could have done so much to break down barriers as a Korean American.
Yet Atlanta Athletic Club and the final major of 2011 proved a key moment in the story of Anthony Kim. He has not appeared in one of golf’s big four individual events since. Given that a decade has now passed, it is safe so assume he will not again. Kim’s absence has proved more fascinating than his spell inside the ropes. Golf’s answer to the Loch Ness Monster, if you like, only Kim definitely did exist – to the point where Nike latched on to a potential global star.
