Anthony Kim Wins First Title in 12 Years at LIV Golf Adelaide

The 40-year-old golfer completes an improbable comeback after battling injuries and addiction.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Anthony Kim won the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament on Sunday, his first professional victory since the 2010 Houston Open. Starting the final round five shots behind the co-leaders, Kim fired a brilliant nine-under 63 to finish at 23-under, three strokes clear of Jon Rahm. The win completes an improbable comeback for the 40-year-old, who battled injuries and addiction after reaching as high as No. 6 in the world rankings earlier in his career.

Why it matters

Kim's victory is a remarkable comeback story, as the once-promising golfer stepped away from the sport for over a decade due to injuries and personal struggles. His return to the winner's circle after such a long absence is an inspiring example of perseverance and the power of self-belief.

The details

Kim won three PGA Tour titles before turning 25 and was hailed as a future superstar, but injuries including a torn Achilles, wrist and shoulder issues derailed his career. He quietly stepped away in 2012 and later revealed he had battled drug and alcohol addiction, even contemplating suicide. Kim returned to competition in 2024 by joining LIV Golf, but struggled in his first two seasons. Now part of Dustin Johnson's 4Aces squad, Kim arrived in Adelaide still searching for validation, which he found in emphatic fashion with a brilliant final-round 63.

  • Kim won the 2010 Houston Open, his last professional victory before a 12-year absence.
  • Kim returned to competition in 2024 by joining the LIV Golf tour.
  • Kim won the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Anthony Kim

A 40-year-old golfer who once ranked as high as No. 6 in the world and won three PGA Tour titles before the age of 25, but whose career was derailed by injuries and personal struggles.

Jon Rahm

A professional golfer who finished second to Kim at the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament.

Bryson DeChambeau

A professional golfer who finished tied for third at the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament.

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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 (dailyfly.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 (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

Kim will look to build on his LIV Golf Adelaide victory and continue his comeback at future LIV Golf events.

The takeaway

Anthony Kim's improbable comeback from a 12-year absence, overcoming injuries and personal struggles, is an inspiring story of perseverance and the power of self-belief. His victory at the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament shows that even after a long hiatus, a determined athlete can regain their form and reach the top of their sport.