Tiger Woods Praises Anthony Kim's Remarkable LIV Golf Comeback

The golf legend congratulates Kim on his first LIV Golf victory after over a decade away from the sport.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tiger Woods has expressed his admiration for Anthony Kim's remarkable comeback on the LIV Golf tour. Kim, who stepped away from golf for over a decade due to personal struggles, won his first LIV Golf event in 2025, beating out top players like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. Woods praised Kim's perseverance and ability to overcome the challenges he faced, drawing parallels to his own personal battles and comeback in the sport.

Why it matters

Kim's comeback story resonates with many in the golf world, including Woods, who has also faced personal struggles and setbacks in his career. This highlights the human element of professional sports and the ability of athletes to overcome adversity and find success later in their careers.

The details

After an impressive run on the PGA Tour from 2006-2011, which included a Ryder Cup appearance, Kim stepped away from golf due to an Achilles injury and personal issues. He returned to the sport in 2024 and joined the LIV Golf tour, where he struggled in his first season. However, in 2025, Kim captured his first LIV Golf victory, beating out top players like Rahm and DeChambeau. Woods, who has also faced personal challenges and made a comeback of his own, praised Kim's perseverance and ability to overcome the difficulties he faced.

  • Kim joined the LIV Golf tour in 2024.
  • Kim won his first LIV Golf event in 2025.
  • Woods made his comments ahead of the 2026 Genesis Invitational.

The players

Tiger Woods

A legendary professional golfer who has won 15 major championships and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Anthony Kim

A former PGA Tour player who stepped away from golf for over a decade due to personal struggles, but made a comeback in 2024 and won his first LIV Golf event in 2025.

Jon Rahm

A top professional golfer who competed against Anthony Kim in the LIV Golf event where Kim won his first victory.

Bryson DeChambeau

A professional golfer who also competed against Anthony Kim in the LIV Golf event where Kim won his first victory.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We can all relate to struggles. We all struggle in life. The longer it goes, the more tough times you've had. But for him to fight through it and for Anthony to get to where he's gotten to, from the low that he was in, is something that, as I said,…”

— Tiger Woods (Twitter)

“This kid hit it so good. He was on an unbelievable run when he won at Charlotte, and we played against each other at Congressional. He played unbelievable at the 2008 Ryder Cup, he had so much natural talent, he could hit any shot he wanted.”

— Tiger Woods (Twitter)

What’s next

Woods is set to compete in the 2026 Genesis Invitational, where he may have the opportunity to discuss Kim's comeback further.

The takeaway

Anthony Kim's remarkable comeback story, from overcoming personal struggles to winning on the LIV Golf tour, has resonated with fellow golf legend Tiger Woods, who has faced his own challenges and made a successful return to the sport. This highlights the human element of professional sports and the ability of athletes to overcome adversity and find success later in their careers.