Anthony Kim delivered one of the most inspirational comebacks in golf history at LIV Golf Adelaide, capturing his first victory in nearly 16 years and proving that redemption and resilience can triumph over years of setbacks.
The 40-year-old American, who stepped away from the sport in 2012 amid injuries and personal struggles, including battles with addiction, had returned to competitive golf through LIV in 2024.
After two years of struggle on the LIV tour, Kim lost his playing privileges following the 2025 season. Kim, though, earned his spot for 2026 via LIV promotions (LIV’s version of Q school) and immediately showed flashes of his old form in Saudi Arabia. Still, Kim arrived in Adelaide as the longest of longshots. Starting the final round five shots behind superstar co-leaders Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, Kim unleashed a flawless, bogey-free 9-under 63 at The Grange Golf Club. He birdied five of his last seven holes, overtaking the star-studded field to finish at 23-under par.
Rahm ended at 20-under, with DeChambeau tying for third as Kim stared down two of the game’s top talents in the final pairing without flinching.
The win marked Kim’s first since 2010 on the PGA Tour and vaulted him from No. 847 to No. 203 in the Official World Golf Ranking, thanks to LIV’s newly awarded OWGR points. It also sparked calls for potential major invitations and drew praise from figures like Tiger Woods.
Beyond the leaderboard, the triumph resonated deeply as a story of personal rebirth — Kim, sober for three years, fist-pumped his way through an electric performance before a massive, supportive Adelaide crowd that embraced him. Media outlets hailed it as LIV Golf’s most authentic and meaningful moment, one that no amount of money could manufacture.
“My family. I don’t really know what to say right now,” said Kim. “It’s been overwhelming. But I’m never not going to fight for my family.
“God gave me a talent. I was able to produce some good golf today. I knew it was coming. Nobody else has to believe in me but me, and for anybody that’s struggling, you can get through anything.”
In Kim’s words and the sport’s reaction, it’s a powerful reminder: if you keep fighting, you never lose.
