"When'll Tiger Woods be back though?" - Fans react to Anthony Kim's epic comeback at PIF Saudi International

Anthony Kim made a statement with his return to professional golf, finishing in the top five at the PIF Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club. He carded rounds of 67, 64, 69, and 70, marking his first top-five finish since returning to competitive golf in 2024.

The result comes months after Kim was relegated from the LIV Golf Tour in 2025, having not earned a single point during his season in the Saudi-backed league. Since then, he has shown strong form on the Asian Tour. Kim returned to professional golf in February 2024 after more than 11 years away from the sport.

Flushing It shared a post on X on 22 November about Kim’s performance, his hard work, faith, and plans to return to the LIV Golf League in 2026. The post quickly drew reactions from fans, many of whom also wondered about Tiger Woods, who hasn’t played any PGA Tour events this season due to injuries.

One fan asked:

“When'll Tiger be back though? 😭😭😭”

Another wrote:

“Genuinely happy to see him doing this, but how can LIV expect world ranking points when they invite people to play and then they can go and compete on other tours technically AK should have no status anywhere”

One simply added:

“Truly amazing!”

Another chimed in:

“Need him back on LIV”

Some praised his swing, writing:

“Solid golf swing no doubt.”

A screenshot of fan reactions on Flushing It Golf's post on X (via X)

Anthony Kim stepped away from the sport in 2012 after an Achilles injury, shoulder and hand surgeries, and spinal fusion treatment. He finished 56th in LIV Golf's individual standings in 2024 and was relegated the following year, with a best finish of T25th at LIV Golf Dallas.

Anthony Kim says his progress is “for the people that are struggling”

After his top-five finish, Anthony Kim spoke about what the week meant to him. He told Flushing It Golf that it proved his “hard work is paying off” and said his comeback is “for all of the people that are struggling.”

Kim admitted the round left him frustrated, especially through the middle stretch where a few putts didn’t drop and some mistakes cost him momentum.

“I'm sure I'll feel better about it when I'm on the flight home. Right now, I'm very frustrated with the middle stretch of my round… I hit the ball very well the first 12 holes, then made a couple of unforced errors.”

Anthony Kim closed with a 70, his only over-par stretch of the week. He made an early birdie on the 2nd, stayed steady through the front nine, and then picked up shots on 11 and 12. Things slipped on the back with bogeys on 14, 16 and 17, before he finished strong with a birdie on 18.

Even with the ups and downs, Anthony Kim said he feels a sense of purpose beyond the scorecard.

“I found faith in God… I feel like God has a bigger plan for me, not just in golf, but to help other people.”

Anthony Kim is now focused on the LIV Golf Promotions Event in January, aiming to earn his spot back for the 2026 season. He said that once his swing fully settles and the putts start to fall, he expects to be “right back” where he wants to be.

Edited by Sonali Verma