Close your eyes and it would seem you are in 2012. Anthony Kim still has that signature charm that even pro golfers are not immune to. Perhaps that’s not a doubt when you return to the field after 12 years of self-imposed exile. Even Phil Mickelson, who is quite charismatic himself, believes in Kim’s appeal.

Lefty is not the only one, of course. Graeme McDowell is another who believes in Kim’s ‘transcendental’ power. The two LIV Golf pros weighed in about Kim’s return ahead of his LIV Golf Jeddah debut.

Phil Mickelson loves Kim’s swagger

Phil Mickelson was glowing when speaking about Anthony Kim. “He’s got a charisma.” The Lefty believes that “the world of golf is drawn to him.” Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim played together in the latter’s only Ryder Cup appearance. The 2008 Valhalla outing is famous for Kim’s 5&4 drubbing of Sergio Garcia. Despite being only 23, Kim was the “off-the-course team leader” as the captain Paul Azinger would later recount.

Mickelson adds, “Not many people have that charisma that he has. To have his swagger and his game back is exciting.” Graeme McDowell, who will tee off alongside Kim at the eighteenth hole, shares a similar sentiment. “He’s an enigma that people love. It’s like the legend has grown over the last 12 years. I think we’re all excited to see where the game is. Has he still got that fire?”