Adelaide, Australia – , marked a stunning and emotional return to form for Anthony Kim, who secured his first professional victory in nearly 16 years at the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament. Kim closed with a remarkable 9-under 63, finishing at 23 under overall and claiming a three-shot victory over Jon Rahm.
The win represents a monumental comeback for the 40-year-old American, who stepped away from competitive golf for 12 years while battling personal struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. His journey back to the top was recently punctuated by the need to qualify for a spot on the LIV Tour, a testament to the challenges he overcame.
“It’s been overwhelming. But I’m never not going to fight for my family,” Kim said, visibly moved after securing the title with a par on the 18th green at The Grange Golf Club. He was embraced by his wife, Emily, and daughter, Bella, in a poignant moment that underscored the personal significance of his achievement.
Kim’s final round was a display of exceptional golf, highlighted by four consecutive birdies on holes 12 through 15. He converted putts of 17, 11, 14, and 17 feet during that stretch, building a commanding lead. A 15-foot putt on the par-4 17th extended his advantage to three strokes, allowing him to navigate the 18th fairway with a comfortable cushion.
Although a 20-foot birdie attempt on the 18th narrowly missed, Kim tapped in for par to complete his first victory since the 2010 Houston Open on the PGA Tour. The win is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment in his ongoing story of redemption and resilience.
Rahm finished second at 20 under after a final-round 71, while Bryson DeChambeau, who had been tied with Rahm for the third-round lead, tied for third alongside Tyrell Hatton (67) and Peter Uihlein (68) at 17 under.
Kim’s resurgence is particularly noteworthy given his previous success on the PGA Tour, where he reached as high as No. 6 in the world in 2008 and was a member of the victorious 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team. His recent return to competitive golf included six starts on the Asian Tour last year, where he made four cuts, including a tie for fifth at the Saudi International.
A Transformed Individual
Beyond the golf, Kim’s victory carries a deeper message of hope and recovery. Having publicly discussed his battles with addiction and his time in rehab, Kim emphasized the transformative impact of his journey.
“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,” Kim reflected. “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.”
The emotional scene on the 18th green, with his family joining in the celebration, was particularly meaningful for Kim. “Best moment of my life so far,” he stated. “Obviously when Bella was born, Emily and my life changed. But 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.”
Kim articulated a desire to inspire others facing similar struggles. “I want to inspire people. I told my wife this: The only way I get to reach the amount of people I want to reach is by winning. I can talk about my struggles all I want, but if I don’t have the platform, then I won’t reach as many people.” He added that his goal during rehab was to help others, and that being welcomed by LIV Golf has provided him with the platform to do so.
In the team competition, the all-Australian Ripper team of Cam Smith, Lucas Herbert, Marc Leishman, and Elvis Smylie secured their second consecutive victory, having also won the previous week in Riyadh and previously at Adelaide. Rahm’s Legion XIII team finished second, while Kim’s 4Aces team rounded out the top three.
Kim’s victory at LIV Golf Adelaide is more than just a golf tournament win; it’s a powerful story of perseverance, recovery, and the transformative power of family and faith. It marks a new chapter in a career that once promised even greater heights, and offers a beacon of hope to those battling their own personal challenges.
