In an eagerly anticipated comeback, Anthony Kim, once considered one of golf's brightest stars, returned to professional golf after a 12-year absence. However, his return did not go as smoothly as he had hoped, as he finished last in the opening round of the LIV Golf Jeddah tournament held in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia.

Kim, now 38 years old, made the announcement of his return earlier this week, expressing his desire to play in all of LIV's 2024 regular-season tournaments as a wild card. His ultimate aim is to accumulate enough points in the league's individual standings to secure a place on a team in 2025.

Once hailed as a rising star in the world of golf, Kim had an impressive record, winning two PGA Tour events and earning a spot on the Ryder Cup team at the young age of 23. His exciting talent and charismatic personality endeared him to many fans, including those who were not typically drawn to the sport.

However, injuries plagued Kim's career, eventually leading him to step away from professional golf at the age of 26. His sudden departure and subsequent mysterious absence created an enigmatic status around him, further fueling intrigue and fascination among fans.

During his time away from the sport, Kim became somewhat of a cult figure. Rumors circulated about him living off a substantial insurance policy, estimated to be worth between $10 and $20 million. The question of whether he could still play at a professional level became a subject of speculation and curiosity.

Returning to the spotlight, Kim's first professional round in over a decade ended with a 6-over-par 76, not an ideal performance by any means. Despite this, Kim managed to avoid any major blow-up holes, carding seven bogeys, one birdie, and ten pars on the par-70 setup.

Analysts and experts are cautious not to read too much into Kim's performance in this tournament. While his return showcased his determination to make a comeback, it was clear that he still has a long way to go before contending at the highest level.

The choice to begin his journey in Jeddah, a tournament with limited fan attendance and relatively gentle playing conditions, seemed calculated. It allowed Kim to ease back into competition and shake off any rust without the intense scrutiny that awaits him in upcoming tournaments.

Kim's next stop on the LIV Golf Tour will be in Hong Kong, followed by Miami, just a week ahead of the prestigious Masters tournament. These upcoming events will undoubtedly draw more attention from media and fans, as they eagerly watch to see if Kim can regain his former glory or at least make a competitive return to the game.

As Anthony Kim continues his golfing journey, the golfing world eagerly awaits his progress, intrigued by the narrative of a once-promising talent making a long-awaited comeback. Only time will tell if Kim can reclaim his status as one of the sport's brightest stars.