Anthony Kim Wins LIV Golf Adelaide in Stunning Comeback

Tiger Woods praises Kim's return to golf after 16-year absence marked by addiction struggles

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Anthony Kim, a former PGA Tour star who disappeared from golf for 12 years, won the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia, in a stunning comeback. Kim closed with a 9-under 63 to overcome a 5-shot deficit and claim his first victory since the 2010 Houston Open. Tiger Woods praised Kim's perseverance through personal struggles, including drug and alcohol addiction, saying 'you have to wrap your heart around' his remarkable return to the top of the sport.

Why it matters

Kim's victory is a remarkable story of redemption after years of personal turmoil. His ability to overcome addiction and return to professional golf at a high level inspires hope and highlights the power of determination and resilience. The win also comes at a pivotal time for the LIV Golf league, which has seen the departure of some high-profile players.

The details

After walking away from the PGA Tour in 2012, Kim battled severe drug and alcohol addiction for years. He is now married with a 4-year-old daughter, and his victory at LIV Golf Adelaide was an emotional moment as his daughter ran onto the 18th green to celebrate with him. Kim shot a final-round 63 to overcome a 5-shot deficit and claim the $4 million first-place prize, more than he made in his best PGA Tour season.

  • Kim last won on the PGA Tour at the 2010 Houston Open.
  • Kim walked away from golf in May 2012 and disappeared from public view for 12 years.
  • Kim won the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia, on February 18, 2026.

The players

Anthony Kim

A former PGA Tour star who reached as high as No. 6 in the world in 2008. Kim battled severe drug and alcohol addiction for years after walking away from golf in 2012, but has now made a remarkable comeback to win the LIV Golf event in Adelaide.

Tiger Woods

A golf icon who praised Kim's comeback, saying 'you have to wrap your heart around' his story of overcoming personal struggles to return to the top of the sport.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To see him struggle in life … and for him to come all the way back and for him to win and to be as devoted as he is to his family, it's a story in which you just have to wrap your heart around it. We all struggle in life … but for him to fight through it and for Anthony to get to where he has gotten to from the low that he want in is something that, as I said, you have to just wrap your heart around it.”

— Tiger Woods (foxsports.com)

“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 (foxsports.com)

“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 (foxsports.com)

What’s next

Kim's victory could boost his chances of earning a spot on the International team for the 2027 Presidents Cup, which will be held in Australia.

The takeaway

Anthony Kim's remarkable comeback from years of personal struggles to win on the LIV Golf tour is an inspiring story of resilience and the power of determination. His victory serves as a reminder that no matter how low one may fall, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve success.