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via Imago

via Imago

A comeback after nearly 12 years! Yes, we are talking about Anthony Kim himself and his joining the sport back again through LIV Golf. What’s more, as per sources, the returning athlete has been reportedly guaranteed a paycheck of a whopping $50,000 per tournament, not to mention the money he would receive if he ends up winning. But, despite landing a huge deal with the breakaway league, it appears he still has some sort of unpaid settlement with another LIV golfer; none other than Talor Gooch.

The 2023 Individual Champion took to a new episode on the podcast by Flushing In Golf to express his excitement at meeting Kim again. However, while doing so, he went ahead to recount an experience he had with the 38-year-old while divulging how he still has some debt left unsettled!

Talor Gooch reveals a surprising ‘pay you later’ story from AK’s past

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Back when Gooch was 12 years old, Anthony Kim was part of the University of Oklahoma and used to practice at a golf course named Jimmie Austin. Coincidentally, the grounds were around 20 mins from where the LIV golfer grew up and so, he used to go regularly. “I would sneak down to where the team would practice,” recounted the golfer before disclosing how he’d do so till he gets kicked out of there.

Continuing with his story, the 3-time LIV Golf champ recalled how he was “getting some chipping practice in” when Kim comes over, and chips, followed by which they start talking. Just then, out of the blue, AK proposes “a chipping contest” for “$100 a shot.” He recalled how he agreed to the same despite having “$7 in my(sic) pocket for burger and fries.” The result? The young Gooch won the match by hitting all three chips and winning $300. However, following his loss, the then-college golfer decided to stop and said, “Alright, I’m not losing any more money to you, I’ll pay you later.”

Reminiscing on the story, Gooch disclosed how he still hasn’t paid him for the lost bet. “I’m gonna go talk to him,” added the pro as he continued, “I’m gonna get the $300 back from him.” Well, it appears the golfer is someone who doesn’t let go of the past!

Nevertheless, the 32-year-old would have ample time to get his money back now. The reason: the 3-time PGA Tour champ is reportedly assured to play a total of 11 events on the breakaway league with his comeback.

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What happened to Anthony Kim?

The golfer was last spotted at the Wells Fargo Championship back in 2012. During the same, following a series of injuries, he withdrew from the event after the first round after which he underwent surgery to repair an Achilles tendon injury. Unfortunately, he vanished from the scene soon after he was forced to the sidelines.

ALSO READ – LIV Golf Eyeing at Their Own Tiger Woods Through Anthony Kim?

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“After stepping away from the game years ago due to injury, I’m happy to officially announce my return to the world of professional golf,” stated the golfer about his comeback. Adding on, he said, “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m very grateful for all the highs, lows, and lessons learned from the first part of my career.” Well, seeing an athlete come back into the sport years after being forced out due to injury is nothing short of inspirational. Take a bow, AK!

READ MORE – Top 3 LIV Golf Teams Anthony Kim Can Play for to Complete His Sensational Return in Jeddah