Anthony Kim wins LIV Golf Adelaide in a remarkable career comeback

The 40-year-old golfer overcomes addiction struggles to claim his first victory in nearly 16 years

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Anthony Kim, a former PGA Tour star who disappeared from golf for 12 years due to drug and alcohol addiction, made a stunning comeback by winning the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia. Kim, who last won on the PGA Tour in 2010, closed with a 9-under 63 to rally from five shots back and defeat Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. The victory was an emotional one for Kim, who celebrated with his 4-year-old daughter Bella on the 18th green.

Why it matters

Kim's victory is a remarkable comeback story, as he overcame severe addiction issues to return to professional golf and win on the LIV Tour. His story provides inspiration and hope for others struggling with similar challenges, showing that it's possible to overcome adversity and achieve success.

The details

Kim, who reached as high as No. 6 in the world in 2008, walked away from golf in 2012 and disappeared from public view for 12 years. During that time, he battled drug and alcohol addiction, which he says he considers a "minor miracle" that he is still alive. After playing as a wild card on the LIV Tour in 2024 and struggling, Kim tied for fifth in the Saudi International last season and had to qualify for another LIV season. He was then signed to Dustin Johnson's 4 Aces team when Patrick Reed left the league.

  • Kim last won on the PGA Tour in 2010 at the Houston Open.
  • Kim walked away from golf in May 2012 and disappeared from public view for 12 years.
  • Kim played as a wild card on the LIV Tour in 2024 and struggled, but showed signs of progress late last season.
  • Kim tied for fifth in the Saudi International last season and had to qualify for another LIV season.
  • Kim won the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia on February 16, 2026.

The players

Anthony Kim

A former PGA Tour star who reached as high as No. 6 in the world in 2008 before disappearing from golf for 12 years due to drug and alcohol addiction. He made a remarkable comeback to win the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia.

Jon Rahm

A professional golfer who finished second to Anthony Kim at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide.

Bryson DeChambeau

A professional golfer who finished third to Anthony Kim at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide.

Dustin Johnson

A professional golfer who signed Anthony Kim to his 4 Aces team on the LIV Tour when Patrick Reed decided to leave the league.

Patrick Reed

A professional golfer who left the LIV Tour, allowing Dustin Johnson to sign Anthony Kim to the 4 Aces team.

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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 was all the lows I went through in my life that I got to dig out of. Every putt that went 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 (LIV Golf)

“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 her dad isn't a loser was one of the most special moments of my life.”

— Anthony Kim (LIV Golf)

“I cried.”

— Lucas Herbert, Professional Golfer (LIV Golf)

“Man, he was a gun. He almost had an aura about him, somewhat for his golf, somewhat for his partying. I mean, to see where he's come from ... I've actually spoken to him a fair bit over the last couple of years about a few of his experiences. It's an unbelievable story, 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, Professional Golfer (LIV Golf)

What’s next

The LIV Golf tour will continue its season, with the next event scheduled for March in Tucson, Arizona. It remains to be seen if Anthony Kim can build on his Adelaide victory and continue his remarkable comeback.

The takeaway

Anthony Kim's victory at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide is a powerful story of redemption and perseverance. His ability to overcome severe addiction issues and return to the top of professional golf provides inspiration and hope for others facing similar challenges. Kim's journey serves as a reminder that with determination and the support of loved ones, it is possible to overcome even the greatest of obstacles and achieve success.