Anthony Kim 'very encouraged' despite last-place finish

Anthony Kim opted to take an optimistic view following his three-day performance at the LIV Golf Jeddah Invitational in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia.

Sure, Kim found himself in last place after following up a pair of rounds in which he carded a 6-over-par 76 with a 4-over-par 74 on Sunday.

There's more to consider, however. For starters, the 38-year-old admittedly was dealing with significant rust in his game as he made his return to professional golf this week after a nearly 12-year retirement.

"I'm very encouraged. I'm excited about what's coming," Kim said, as he turns his attention to LIV Golf Hong Kong. "My game is starting to shape up. I'm doing things that I used to do before. I'm just looking forward to a great year."

Slow starts plagued Kim over the final two days in Saudi Arabia. He found himself at 6-over through his first seven holes on Saturday and 4-over during that same stretch on Sunday before settling down both times.

"I definitely played a lot better than the score actually showed," Kim said, who finished 33 strokes behind winner Joaquin Niemann of Chile. "I felt more comfortable today than I did the first two days. I shot 4-over par, but it could have been an under-par round if I had just cleaned up a few things.

"Unfortunately, it's still taking me a couple holes to get comfortable. I think most of my over-par scores are the first six holes. If I can just figure a way to get my mind right before I get out there, I think I'll be in great shape."

Kim also expressed his appreciation to having his daughter and wife in attendance.

"It means everything," he said. "I'm grateful that I have this opportunity to create memories with my family. This experience is amazing. Everyone at LIV has been first class, and I feel honored to be a part of this organization. Moving forward, I hope to represent them well."

Kim turned pro in 2006 and recorded PGA Tour victories at the 2008 Wachovia Championship, 2008 AT&T National and 2010 Houston Open. He climbed as high as No. 6 in the world rankings in September 2008.