Anthony Kim completes improbable comeback with LIV Golf Adelaide win

40-year-old Kim wins first event in 16 years after battling injuries, substance abuse, and depression

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a vintage performance, Anthony Kim, 40, won the LIV Golf Adelaide event, his first win in 16 years and after over a decade away from the game battling injuries, substance abuse and other struggles. Kim fired a 9-under 63 in the final round to overcome a 5-shot deficit and claim a dominant 3-shot victory, celebrating with his wife and young daughter on the 18th green.

Why it matters

Kim's comeback is one of the most improbable in recent golf history. Once a rising star who reached as high as 6th in the world rankings, Kim's career was derailed by injuries, addiction, and mental health issues. His victory is a testament to perseverance and the power of redemption, inspiring others who may be facing their own personal battles.

The details

Kim began the final round 5 shots behind leaders Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, but surged ahead with a bogey-free round featuring 9 birdies. He took the lead for good with a 17-foot birdie putt on the par-3 12th hole, known as the 'Watering Hole' for its raucous atmosphere. Kim then pulled away with 5 birdies in his final 7 holes to win by 3 shots.

  • Kim withdrew from the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship, undergoing surgery on his left Achilles and beginning a downward spiral of addiction and mental health struggles.
  • Kim disappeared from competitive golf for over 12 years after that 2012 withdrawal.
  • Kim checked himself into rehab a few years ago, with doctors previously telling him he potentially had just 2 weeks to live.
  • Kim has now been sober for nearly 3 years.
  • Kim's win at LIV Golf Adelaide is his first victory since the 2010 Shell Houston Open.

The players

Anthony Kim

A 40-year-old American golfer who was once a rising star, reaching as high as 6th in the world rankings, before his career was derailed by injuries, substance abuse, and mental health issues. After over a decade away from the game, Kim has completed an improbable comeback, winning the LIV Golf Adelaide event.

Jon Rahm

A former world #1 golfer who was in the final group with Kim on Sunday, calling Kim's final round 'one of the best and craziest' he's witnessed.

Bryson DeChambeau

A former world #1 golfer who was also in the final group with Kim, but struggled with 4 early bogeys as Kim surged ahead.

Greg Norman

The CEO of LIV Golf, who began courting Kim for a return to competition in early 2024 despite Kim's game still being in shambles at the time.

Dustin Johnson

The captain of the 4Aces team, who signed Kim after he earned his LIV card back, saying 'I think he's only going to keep getting better.'

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What they’re saying

“I'm too old to be reacting like that because I think I pulled something in my hip. But I will say that that was all the lows that I went through in my life that I got to dig out of. Every putt that went in, I felt the struggle, and I was overcoming it. It was therapeutic out there to fight through it and come out on top.”

— Anthony Kim (Golf Channel)

“Best moment of my life so far. Obviously, when Bella was born, Emily and my life changed. But to be able to share this moment, even though Bella won't understand it, one day she will, and for her to be able to run on the green and see that her dad isn't a loser was one of the most special moments of my life.”

— Anthony Kim (Golf Channel)

“In a weird way, as a competitor, I probably shouldn't say this, but that was a joy to watch. To see that image on 18 of him hugging his wife and daughter, any man with a soul is going to have a soft spot for that. I was almost tearing up.”

— Jon Rahm (Golf Channel)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Anthony Kim's improbable comeback from the depths of addiction, injury, and depression to win on the LIV Golf tour is an inspiring story of perseverance and redemption. His victory serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the greatest of challenges.