Golfer Anthony Kim Completes Remarkable Comeback with LIV Golf Win

After battling addiction and mental health issues, Kim wins his first professional tournament in 16 years

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Professional golfer Anthony Kim, a California native, has completed an incredible career comeback by winning the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide, Australia. Just a year after celebrating two years of sobriety, the 41-year-old embraced his 4-year-old daughter after the victory, his first professional win in nearly 16 years. Kim had previously struggled with a debilitating drug addiction that he said he used to "numb the pain" during his time on the PGA Tour, even contemplating suicide. After quitting the PGA in 2012 due to injury, Kim joined the LIV Golf tour in 2024 and worked his way back into the league, culminating in his triumph on Sunday.

Why it matters

Kim's story highlights the challenges professional athletes can face with mental health and addiction, and how determination and perseverance can lead to remarkable comebacks. His victory also shines a light on the LIV Golf league, which has provided opportunities for players like Kim to revive their careers after setbacks.

The details

Kim, who sports a sleeve tattoo on his left arm, had a promising start to his professional golf career, winning three PGA tournaments. However, he was secretly struggling with addiction and mental illness, even using drugs and alcohol to "numb the pain" while playing in major tournaments. After quitting the PGA Tour in 2012 due to a torn Achilles tendon, Kim flew under the radar for a decade before joining the LIV Golf tour in 2024, where he initially struggled to find his form. But he worked his way back into the league and earned a spot this year, culminating in his thrilling victory on Sunday in Adelaide.

  • Kim joined the LIV Golf tour in March 2024.
  • Kim lost his spot in the LIV Golf league after a series of disappointing finishes.
  • Kim earned a spot back in the LIV Golf league with a top 3 finish in a January 12, 2026 promotion event.
  • Kim won the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide, Australia on February 16, 2026.

The players

Anthony Kim

A 41-year-old professional golfer from California who has completed a remarkable comeback by winning his first professional tournament in 16 years after battling a debilitating drug addiction.

Bella

Kim's 4-year-old daughter who jumped into his arms after he sealed the victory at the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide.

Greg Norman

The former CEO of LIV Golf who called Kim's win "the greatest golf comeback in history" and said he was like a "proud dad" after the result.

Marc Leishman

A fellow LIV golfer who called Kim's story "an unbelievable story" and said he was not just talking about the win in Adelaide, but about Kim not being on this planet.

Lucas Herbert

A LIV golfer who simply said "I cried" after watching Kim's victory on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“For it to actually happen is pretty insane. Nobody else has to believe in me but me. And for anybody that's struggling, you can get through anything.”

— Anthony Kim

“It's f--kin hard playing majors making porta potty stops every few holes.”

— Anthony Kim

“He had so much talent but it was buried by poor decisions and directions. He was lost and admitted it. But he owned it and wanted to change with the force for good. And golf could give him the opportunity needed to make that change.”

— Greg Norman, Former CEO of LIV Golf (bunkered.co.uk)

“The place he got to and how close he was to not being here. I'm not talking about in Adelaide, I'm talking about not being on this planet.”

— Marc Leishman, LIV Golfer

“I cried.”

— Lucas Herbert, LIV Golfer

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.