Anthony Kim Completes Stunning Comeback With LIV Golf Adelaide Victory

Twelve years away from competition, Anthony Kim wins the LIV Golf Adelaide title with a stunning 9-under 63, completing one of sport's greatest comeback stories.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Anthony Kim has stunned the golfing world as the LIV Golf Champion in Adelaide, completing one of the most impressive comebacks in golf history. After a 12-year absence from competitive play, Kim returned to the LIV Golf League two years ago on a special exemption and struggled initially, finishing toward the bottom of the leaderboard and facing relegation. However, Kim has now won the LIV Golf Adelaide title with a stunning 9-under 63 in the final round, overcoming third-round leaders Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.

Why it matters

Kim's comeback is being hailed as one of the greatest in sports history, as he overcame personal struggles and a lengthy absence from the game to return to the top of professional golf. His victory showcases the power of perseverance, mental fortitude, and the support of family and faith, inspiring others who may be facing their own challenges.

The details

After his last win at the 2010 Shell Houston Open on the PGA Tour, Kim underwent Achilles tendon repair in 2012 and was expected to return on a medical exemption in 2013, but he never did. In 2014, reports surfaced that Kim had fallen into an alternative lifestyle and no longer played golf. However, Kim has now completed an incredible comeback, carding a bogey-free 9-under 63 in the final round to surge past Rahm and DeChambeau and claim the LIV Golf Adelaide title.

  • It had been 5,795 days since Kim's last win at the 2010 Shell Houston Open on the PGA Tour.
  • In June 2012, Kim underwent Achilles tendon repair and was expected to return to the PGA Tour on a medical exemption in 2013.
  • In 2014, Golf Channel reported that Anthony Kim no longer played golf.

The players

Anthony Kim

A former PGA Tour player who has completed one of the most impressive comebacks in golf history, winning the LIV Golf Adelaide title 12 years after his last victory.

Jon Rahm

A professional golfer who was one of the third-round leaders at the LIV Golf Adelaide event, ultimately finishing behind Anthony Kim.

Bryson DeChambeau

A professional golfer who was one of the third-round leaders at the LIV Golf Adelaide event, ultimately finishing behind Anthony Kim.

Dustin Johnson

The captain of the 4Aces Golf Club, which has invited Anthony Kim to join the team after his victory at the LIV Golf Adelaide event.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of the greatest comeback stories of any sport in history. How sweet is that hug from wife Emma and daughter Bella”

— Arlo White, LIV announcer (YouTube)

“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.”

— Anthony Kim (GolfWeek)

“I am very overwhelmed with this feeling I have right now. I want to be a good example. Who I am today is a completely different person — with God, with family, with sobriety.”

— Anthony Kim (YouTube)

“When I started seeing the lines on the greens, I said just give yourself as many chances as possible to win this thing.”

— Anthony Kim (YouTube)

“I am too old to be reacting like that because I think I pulled something in my hip.”

— Anthony Kim (YouTube)

What’s next

Kim's future now seems secure on LIV Golf. After finishing tied for 22nd in the last event, he was invited to join the 4Aces Golf Club, captained by Dustin Johnson.

The takeaway

Anthony Kim's stunning comeback victory at the LIV Golf Adelaide event is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the support of loved ones. His story inspires others facing their own challenges to never give up and believe in themselves, no matter how long the road to redemption may be.