Anthony Kim wins first LIV Golf title in 12 years

The 40-year-old golfer completes an improbable comeback with a victory in Adelaide, Australia.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Anthony Kim, a former top-10 player in the world who stepped away from golf for over a decade due to injuries and personal struggles, won his first professional title since 2010 by capturing the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia. Kim charged from five shots back in the final round, closing with a 9-under 63 to finish three strokes clear of Jon Rahm.

Why it matters

Kim's victory represents one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent golf history. Once considered a future superstar, he battled injuries, addiction, and mental health issues that derailed his career before he eventually returned to competition in 2024 with the upstart LIV Golf league. This win validates his perseverance and ability to regain elite form after over a decade away from the game.

The details

Starting the final round five shots behind the co-leaders, Kim made four consecutive birdies from holes 12-15 to erase the deficit and pull away for the victory. He finished the tournament at 23-under par, three shots clear of Rahm. The win is Kim's first professional title since the 2010 Houston Open.

  • Kim won the LIV Golf Adelaide event on February 16, 2026.
  • Kim's last professional win was at the 2010 Houston Open, over 12 years ago.

The players

Anthony Kim

A 40-year-old American golfer who was once ranked as high as No. 6 in the world before injuries and personal struggles derailed his career. He returned to professional golf in 2024 after a 12-year absence.

Jon Rahm

A top-ranked Spanish golfer who finished second to Kim at the LIV Golf Adelaide event.

Bryson DeChambeau

An American golfer who finished tied for third at the LIV Golf Adelaide event.

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What they’re saying

“I want to be a good example. I would say that I wasn't the best person, the best partner, the best whatever you want to call it, the best son I could be when I was younger. But who I am today is a completely different person. With God, my family, my sobriety being the key things to my life, I can go as far as I want.”

— Anthony Kim (kvakradio.com)

“I know I can make a lot of birdies. I know my self-belief is second to none. Obviously, taking 12 and a half years off the game is a long time, and you have to build that confidence back. So, I guess from when I was in my 20s, I was never scared to play anybody. I'm not scared to play anybody now. I know this is just one golf tournament, but I believe in myself. That will never change … Nothing is holding me back. Nothing is holding me back. I just have to keep working. The 1% better every day thing is a mindset that I'm going to carry with me until the day I die. I don't see why I can't make it to the top again.”

— Anthony Kim (kvakradio.com)

What’s next

Kim will look to build on his LIV Golf Adelaide victory as he continues his comeback attempt on the LIV Golf circuit.

The takeaway

Anthony Kim's improbable comeback from a 12-year absence to win on the LIV Golf tour is an inspiring story of perseverance and redemption, showing that even the most promising careers can be revived with determination and a renewed commitment to the game.