Anthony Kim secured his first professional golf victory in 16 years by winning the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament, overcoming Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. The 40-year-old's comeback from injuries and personal struggles has drawn praise from Tiger Woods, who highlighted its inspirational value. Kim credited his family for his turnaround during the emotional celebration.
Anthony Kim's victory at LIV Golf Adelaide marked a remarkable return to the winner's circle after more than a decade away from competitive golf. The event took place at The Grange in southern Australia, where Kim, now 40, poured in crucial putts to chase down major champions Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau on Sunday.
Kim's career was derailed by an Achilles injury in 2012, following a promising start that included three PGA Tour wins before age 25, a starring role in the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla, and a peak world ranking of No. 6. He vanished from the sport, later revealing battles with multiple injuries, addiction, and what he called 'dark demons.' Kim rejoined professional golf in 2024 with LIV Golf but struggled in his initial seasons, leading to relegation at the end of last year. He earned his way back through the LIV Promotions Event, finishing third after a birdie on the 36th hole.
Reflecting on the win, Kim described it as therapeutic. 'I will say that that was all the lows that I went through in my life that I got to dig out of,' he said. 'Every putt that went in, I felt the struggle, and I was overcoming it. It was therapeutic out there to fight through it and come out on top.' He shared the moment with his wife, Emily, and daughter, Isabella, crediting them with giving him purpose after feeling lonely despite past success. Isabella, born prematurely, changed his outlook. 'I will tell her that before she came into this world that I didn’t feel any purpose in my life,' Kim said. His message to others: 'Don’t f—ing quit.'
Tiger Woods, speaking ahead of the Genesis Invitational, connected deeply with Kim's story, drawing parallels to his own 2019 Masters comeback after back issues and personal challenges. 'This kid hit it so good,' Woods said of Kim's early talent. 'Then to see him struggle in life and didn’t really want to play golf... 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 because of the struggles.' Woods noted similarities in their family-driven motivations, emphasizing perseverance amid life's challenges.
