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

Veteran golfer completes improbable comeback after battling injuries and addiction

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Anthony Kim, a former top-10 player in the world, won his first professional title in 12 years at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia. Kim, who has struggled with injuries and addiction issues in recent years, charged past Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau with a final-round 63 to capture the victory.

Why it matters

Kim's comeback story is one of the most remarkable in recent golf history. Once considered a future superstar, his career was derailed by injuries and personal struggles, including battles with drug and alcohol addiction. His victory at LIV Golf Adelaide represents a triumphant return to the top of the sport and serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.

The details

Starting the final round five shots behind the co-leaders, Kim closed with a brilliant nine-under 63 at The Grange Golf Club to finish at 23 under, three strokes clear of Rahm. DeChambeau slipped into a tie for third alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Peter Uihlein at 17 under. Kim made four consecutive birdies from Nos. 12 through 15 to erase Rahm's early lead and seal the victory.

  • Kim won the 2010 Houston Open, his last professional victory before a 12-year drought.
  • Kim returned to competitive golf in 2024 by joining the LIV Golf tour after a 12-year absence.

The players

Anthony Kim

A former top-10 player in the world who won three PGA Tour titles before the age of 25, but whose career was derailed by injuries and personal struggles, including battles with drug and alcohol addiction. He returned to competitive golf in 2024 by joining the LIV Golf tour.

Jon Rahm

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

Bryson DeChambeau

An American professional 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 (kwxx.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 (kwxx.com)

What’s next

Kim's victory at LIV Golf Adelaide has earned him a spot in the upcoming LIV Golf major championship, where he will look to continue his impressive comeback and potentially win his first major title.

The takeaway

Anthony Kim's triumph at LIV Golf Adelaide is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing adversity, proving that with determination, faith, and a commitment to self-improvement, it is possible to achieve redemption and reach the pinnacle of one's sport.