Tiger Woods Praises Anthony Kim's Stunning LIV Golf Comeback

Woods reflects on Kim's return to the sport after a decade-long absence.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Tiger Woods expressed admiration for Anthony Kim's remarkable comeback victory at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia. Kim, who had not played competitively for over a decade, defeated a strong field that included Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau to claim his first professional win since 2010. Woods praised Kim's natural talent and ability, as well as his perseverance in fighting through personal struggles to return to the top of the sport.

Why it matters

Kim's victory is seen as one of the biggest moments yet for the controversial LIV Golf league, which has struggled to attract top talent. Woods' comments also highlight the human element of sport, as Kim's comeback story resonates with fans and fellow players who have faced their own challenges in life.

The details

Kim, who was once considered a rising star on the PGA Tour, signed with LIV Golf in 2024 after a 10-year absence from competitive golf. His win in Adelaide came from five shots back, as he chased down Rahm and DeChambeau to claim the title. Woods, who has faced his own physical struggles in recent years, praised Kim's natural talent and ability to overcome personal issues that had derailed his career.

  • Kim won the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia on February 12, 2026.
  • Woods made his comments about Kim's victory ahead of the Genesis Invitational on February 18, 2026.

The players

Tiger Woods

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

Anthony Kim

A former PGA Tour player who won three times on the tour and was once considered a rising star in the sport. Kim signed with LIV Golf in 2024 after a 10-year absence from competitive golf.

Jon Rahm

A Spanish professional golfer who is currently ranked among the top players in the world.

Bryson DeChambeau

An American professional golfer known for his unique approach to the game, including his use of advanced analytics and unconventional equipment.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, 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 (yardbarker.com)

“Then to see him struggle in life and didn't really want to play golf, didn't really want to be part of golf, and for him to come all the way back and for him to win and to be as devoted as he is to his family, it's a story in which you just have to wrap your heart around it because of the struggles.”

— Tiger Woods (yardbarker.com)

“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 where he's gotten to from the low that he was in is something that, as I said, you have to just wrap your heart around.”

— Tiger Woods (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

Woods is expected to continue his comeback efforts and potentially make an appearance at the Genesis Invitational, where he will likely face more questions about Kim's remarkable return to the sport.

The takeaway

Kim's victory at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability of sport to deliver unexpected and inspiring stories. Woods' praise for his former rival highlights the human element of the game and the shared struggles that all athletes face, regardless of their level of success.