ADELAIDE, Australia – Golfer Anthony Kim has achieved his first tournament win since 2010, securing victory at the LIV Golf Adelaide event. This win marks a significant point in his career, coming after a 12-year absence from professional play due to personal struggles. The golfer, aged 40, achieved this comeback by finishing with a score of 9-under 63 in the final round, resulting in a three-shot lead over his competitors.
Kim's journey back to professional golf included participation in six Asian Tour events last year, where he made four cuts and achieved a tie for fifth place at the Saudi International. His return to LIV Golf was made possible by competing in a qualifying tournament recently, a necessary step to earn another season on the tour.
The tournament also saw team standings finalized. Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team secured second place, while Kim's 4Aces team finished third. The all-Australian Ripper team, featuring Cameron Smith, Lucas Herbert, Marc Leishman, and Elvis Smylie, claimed victory for the second consecutive week and their second win at the Adelaide course.
A Comeback Forged Through Adversity
Anthony Kim's absence from the sport spanned over a decade, a period he has openly described as being affected by drug and alcohol struggles. This hiatus placed his promising career on hold, and his return required him to navigate the complexities of regaining eligibility through qualifying events. His previous notable successes include winning two PGA Tour events in 2008 and participating in the U.S. Presidents Cup team in the same year he last won a tournament in April 2010.
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The golfer's return to competition was met with considerable interest, given his prior status as a highly regarded prospect in professional golf. His participation in LIV Golf as a wildcard in 2024, and subsequently securing his playing status for 2026 through a qualifying tournament, underscores the determination behind his comeback.
Performance Data
| Event | Round 1 Score | Round 2 Score | Round 3 Score | Final Score | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIV Golf Adelaide | 5-under | 5-under | 4-under | 14-under | 3 shots |
Note: Round 1 and 2 scores were consistent, followed by a strong performance in Round 3.
Key Moments and Team Dynamics
Kim's victory in Adelaide was marked by a series of strong putts, particularly during the latter half of his final round. Birdies on holes 12, 13, and subsequent holes, including a crucial putt on the par-5 13th, propelled him into the lead. The intensity of these moments was visible, with the golfer expressing emotion through fist pumps, a scene witnessed on the 12th hole, known as "The Watering Hole" at LIV Golf Adelaide.
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This event also saw Kim joining the 4Aces team for the first time, shifting from his wildcard status. This team component adds another layer to his return, highlighting his integration into a LIV Golf team structure.
Expert Commentary and Context
The narrative of Kim's comeback has been described as one of the most significant in golf history. His return from what is termed "the doldrums," characterized by drug, alcohol, and mental health challenges, resonates deeply within the sport. Observers note that his persistence in the face of these obstacles has captured the attention of the golf world.
"I'm going to keep doing it. If he keeps winning, the golf world will keep watching."
The context of his previous career, which included significant PGA Tour wins and team appearances, amplifies the magnitude of his current achievement. His ability to compete and win at this level after such a prolonged absence is a testament to his resilience and skill.
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Analysis of Kim's Return
Anthony Kim's performance in Adelaide has provided concrete evidence of his return to competitive form.
Recent Performance: Prior to LIV Golf Adelaide, Kim's best finish in the league was a tie for 22nd. His play on the Asian Tour in the preceding year showed consistent performance, making cuts in four out of six events.
Team Integration: His move to the 4Aces team signifies a shift from a solitary role as a wildcard, indicating a more structured engagement within the LIV Golf framework.
Qualifying Path: The necessity of playing a qualifying tournament to secure his LIV Golf status for the 2026 season underscores the journey he has undertaken to re-establish himself.
The emotional weight of his victory, particularly after overcoming personal hardships, has been widely acknowledged. The embrace with his family following the win has been highlighted as a particularly poignant moment.
Conclusion and Future Implications
Anthony Kim's victory at LIV Golf Adelaide is a defining moment in his career, marking a triumphant return after a 12-year absence. The win serves as tangible proof of his ability to compete at the highest level, overcoming significant personal challenges.
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The implications of this victory extend beyond individual achievement:
Inspiration: Kim's story provides a powerful narrative of resilience and recovery, offering inspiration to athletes facing similar adversities.
League Narrative: His success adds significant depth to the ongoing story of LIV Golf, providing a compelling storyline for fans and media.
Future Prospects: While his immediate future participation is tied to his LIV Golf status, this win may open further opportunities and solidify his place in the sport. The golfer himself has indicated a focus on continuing his performance, suggesting that this victory is not an endpoint but a milestone.
The coming period will likely see continued scrutiny of Kim's performance and how he builds upon this significant achievement.
Sources:
ESPN Africa: https://africa.espn.com/golf/story//id/47935643/anthony-kim-takes-liv-golf-adelaide-first-win-2010
Published shortly after the event, this report provides a comprehensive overview of Kim's win, his career background, and team standings.
Golf Digest: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/anthony-kim-wins-liv-adelaide
This article frames Kim's victory as a historic comeback, emphasizing the personal struggles overcome and the emotional impact of his win.
Sky Sports: https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12040/13507778/anthony-kim-completes-amazing-golf-comeback-story-with-emotional-liv-adelaide-win-for-first-title-in-16-years
Focuses on the emotional aspect of Kim's comeback and details key moments from the final round, including specific putt lengths.
The New York Times (The Athletic): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7047551/2026/02/15/anthony-kim-liv-golf-adelaide-winner-comeback/
Provides an in-depth look at the comeback narrative and details Kim's performance progression through the tournament rounds.
Golfweek (USA Today): https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/liv/2026/02/15/anthony-kim-liv-golf-adelaide-2026-scores/88688758007/
Highlights key shots and moments, such as the first fist pump on the 12th hole, and discusses Kim's integration into the 4Aces team.
Associated Press (AP News): https://apnews.com/article/liv-golf-adelaide-anthony-kim-d1f87bab6d681d1f1e256110eab05a7e
A concise report detailing the win, the margin of victory, and Kim's past struggles and path back to the tour.
FOGOLF - FOLLOW GOLF: https://www.fogolf.com/1135273/liv-golf-promotions-result-final-scores-as-anthony-kim-secures-shock-return-to-breakaway-tour/
Focuses on the LIV Golf Promotions event where Kim secured his return, including his statements about not needing to prove anything to others.
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