Kim embraces Korean heritage in Busan

BUSAN, South Korea – When Anthony Kim steps onto the fairways of Asiad Country Club this week, he won't just be playing for a leaderboard. He'll be playing for his daughter and for a piece of himself he's carried since long before his remarkable comeback.

The timing could hardly be more resonant as Kim arrives in Busan off his second-best LIV Golf finish. Two weeks ago at LIV Golf Virginia, Kim fired a bogey-free 10-under 62 in the final round, which was his lowest round relative to par since his return to golf after 12 1/2 years. The 62 was the catalyst that got 4Aces GC into a team playoff and ultimately delivered them the victory. It was also the 10th-best Strokes Gained round in LIV Golf history, gaining 8.38 strokes on the field.

Just a year and a half ago, Kim was ranked 2,289th in the Official World Golf Ranking and sputtering in his return to professional golf. Virginia pushed him somewhere no one imagined possible so soon: inside the top 200 in the world for the first time since 2012. His response to that achievement was vintage Kim.

"I don't give a s*** what anybody thinks about me," he said.

The comeback has been primarily fueled by Kim’s signature swagger.

But standing in a media center in Busan on Tuesday, a different Anthony Kim showed up. Quieter. More reflective. Asked what parts of Korea he wants to show his daughter and what impressions he wants to plant; he didn't hesitate.

"My daughter is Korean American, and I'm very proud of her and the heritage that she comes from," he said. "A lot of the work ethic I've gotten and the belief in myself I've gotten is from my mother, and she came over to America as a Korean immigrant not even knowing the language."

Kim’s resilience has been on full display through every step of Kim’s remarkable comeback.

"I think it's undeniable that Korean people in general work very hard," he said. "And hopefully that's something she can learn from. I'm very proud that I picked that up in my mom or else I wouldn't be sitting here today. Hopefully that's something my daughter will keep with her."

Korea isn't unfamiliar ground for Kim. He's played here before, competing in the Korean Open in his early 20s. But this week feels different as he arrives as a father and with a new perspective on life. The roars from Korean fans that have followed LIV Golf around the world carry a different weight for him than for most.

"I'm very proud to be here," he said. "Very excited to be here to play in front of the Korean fans."

If the last few months are any guide, they're going to have plenty to cheer about. Kim is playing the best golf of his second act, and he knows it. He also knows, perhaps better than anyone, that the best motivation doesn't come from a world ranking or a trophy.

"I wouldn't be here without her," he said. "Hopefully that's something she will keep with her."