Thumbs up for fit-again Kim

Kim: Defending champion at the AT&T National

Whenever you have a chance to play against the best, it's a tremendous feeling you get on that first tee, but at the same time, I'm not playing against Tiger

Anthony Kim
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Anthony Kim is looking to "have some fun" at the AT&T National this week after finally overcoming a thumb injury that has blighted his season.

The American managed a wire-to-wire triumph at the Congressional Country Club in 2008 to clinch his second career victory.

The 24-year-old Ryder Cup star has yet to add to that tally in 2009 with his campaign being hampered by a persistent thumb problem.

However, having finished in a share of 16th place in the US Open at Bethpage Black, Kim then ended in a tie for 11th at last week's Travelers Championship to suggest he is getting back to his best.

Pretty healthy

"I'm definitely feeling pretty healthy coming in, as healthy as I've felt all year," he said.

"It's been progressively getting better from the US Open on, and last week had a pretty solid week, even though I didn't finish the way I wanted to.

"(I) Showed a lot of promise, and (I'm) looking forward to having a chance to defend this week and have some fun."

The tournament is hosted by Tiger Woods, who will be fit to take part this time around having missed out on playing last year through injury.

Californian Kim, though, insists he is just as concerned about the rest of the field as much as the world number one.

Improving

"Whenever you have a chance to play against the best, it's a tremendous feeling you get on that first tee, but at the same time, I'm not playing against Tiger," he added.

"I'm playing against everybody in the field, and I know a lot of people say that, but I believe it.

"So it's about me playing the best I can. And if things keep improving like they have the last couple weeks, I should be in good shape."