Phil Mickelson has offered his support to Anthony Kim after his relegation from the LIV Golf League, sending the former PGA Tour star a public message of encouragement during what has been a difficult season. This past weekend at LIV Indianapolis, Kim was officially relegated, and there are now question marks over his career on the tour in general.
Kim Grateful Despite Failing
Kim made a dramatic return to professional golf in 2024 after more than a decade away but has struggled to regain the form that once made him one of the most exciting talents in the sport. He finished 55th in the individual standings at the end of the LIV Golf season, which resulted in his relegation. “Under LIV’s format, the league removes players who finish in the bottom four of the season-long rankings unless they regain entry through qualifying or team arrangements.”
Kim has not scored a single point in his 23 events across two seasons with LIV, including 2025. His best finish this year came at LIV Golf Indianapolis, where he tied for 51st. That result left him outside the cutoff for retaining his spot, sealing his relegation.
The 40-year-old took to social media to share a heartfelt message. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he thanked the league, organizers, fans, and volunteers for their support. He admitted that he “failed this time around” but stressed the importance of perseverance, saying that if recovery had taught him anything, it was to “get back up and keep going.”
“Regardless of my results I wanna thank H.E. every1 involved @livgolf_league not excluding the volunteers & fans 4 ur support. My family & I r gr8ful🙏& even tho I failed this time around if I have learned anything in recovery it’s 2 get back up & keep goin❤️ #sober #girldad,” Kim posted on X.
Mickelson Sends Heartfelt Message To Kim
Kim’s post drew a wave of reactions from fans and fellow players, but one of the most notable came from Phil Mickelson, one of LIV’s most prominent figures. Mickelson replied with words of encouragement, highlighting Kim’s resilience and progress even in the face of poor results.
“You’ve worked really hard and made so much progress. I know you haven’t had the results you wanted but you have so much to be proud of,” Mickelson said in response to his post.
You’ve worked really hard and made so much progress. I know you haven’t had the results you wanted but you have so much to be proud of.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) August 20, 2025
Kim’s return to golf had been one of the most talked-about stories in the game. Once a rising star on the PGA Tour, with three wins before the age of 25, he took a break from professional golf in 2012 due to a combination of injuries and personal struggles. His reemergence with LIV Golf came with both excitement and curiosity, as many wondered whether he could regain the form that once made him a Ryder Cup hero. However, his return has not gone the way he would have hoped.
Main Photo Credit: © Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
