When the 2010 PGA tour kicked off, twenty five year-old Korean-American Anthony Kim set out to achieve his main goal: to make the Ryder Cup team. Kim was a pivotal player on the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team, winning two matches and halving one, helping the U.S. win back the Cup, 16 1/2-11 1/2.
Young Kim, who went to high school in La Quinta, California, had clearly shown his value in team play with that performance, and followed it up with his impressive play in the 2009 Presidents Cup, winning three of four matches during the U.S. victory over the International Team, 19 1/2-14 1/2.
The 2010 season started out in impressive fashion for Kim, finishing 2nd in the Honda Classic in early March, then winning the Shell Houston Open in early April. Kim followed up that performance with a tie for third in The Masters, his best finish to date in a Major Championship.
After finishing in a tie for seventh at the Quail Hollow event, Kim elected to have surgery to repair a shredded tendon in his left thumb. Second in Ryder Cup points at the time, Kim wanted to leave enough time to heal and rehab before returning to play to prepare for the Ryder Cup.
While sliding down to fifth in the standings during his recovery, Kim is still eligible as an automatic pick. However, he is obviously rusty, and it showed in his play during this weekend's event at the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
Kim finished at 16 over par overall, finishing ahead of just three players, including Tiger Woods. Kim's bright spot of the tournament came on Saturday, firing a 1-under 69.
Kim will continue in his quest to return to his former self with next week's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Given his 5-2-1 record in the last two team matches, the U.S. team is certainly hoping that Kim is successful in achieving that goal.
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I hope this is only temporary and he will get back on track soon.
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