Kim Captures Maiden LIV Golf Title in Adelaide

Kim beats Jon Rahm to claim maiden LIV Golf title in Adelaide

Anthony Kim wins first professional title in 16 years at LIV Golf Adelaide, overcoming struggles with addiction.

“God gave me a talent. I was able to produce some good golf today. I knew it was coming...”

Anthony Kim's win at LIV Golf Adelaide is a testament to his remarkable comeback. The 40-year-old American golfer, a Ryder Cup champion and former world number six, had retired from golf in 2012 due to injuries and personal struggles. He battled drug and alcohol addiction, even experiencing suicidal thoughts, but made a stunning return to the sport in 2024 as a wildcard on the LIV Tour.

ANTHONY KIM IS A LIV GOLF CHAMPION 🏆#LIVGolfAdelaide @4AcesGC_ pic.twitter.com/Tqh1QSFdN1

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) February 15, 2026

Kim's journey is inspiring, and his victory marks a triumphant moment in his career. After being relegated from the LIV Tour last season, he fought his way back through the Promotions event and joined Dustin Johnson's 4Aces team. His win is not only a personal achievement but also a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction.

Anthony Kim's remarkable comeback story continues to inspire. The 40-year-old American golfer, a Ryder Cup champion and former world number six, has overcome battles with drug and alcohol addiction, and suicidal thoughts to reclaim his place in the golfing world. After retiring from golf in 2012, Kim made a stunning return in 2024 as a wildcard on the LIV Tour.

Kim started the day five shots behind Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, but stormed back with a flawless round at Grange Golf Club. He finished 23-under, three shots ahead of Spain's Rahm, who struggled with a 71.

Kim's journey is nothing short of miraculous. He began his comeback with struggles, finishing 55th in the 2025 season standings, but persevered and earned his spot back through the Promotions event. His hard work paid off with a dominant win at LIV Golf Adelaide, securing his first professional title in 16 years.

“It's been overwhelming,” he said. “But I'm never not going to fight for my family.

“God gave me a talent. I was able to produce some good golf today. I knew it was coming.

“Nobody else has to believe in me, but me. And for anybody that's struggling, you can get through anything.”

Anthony Kim's golfing career is a tale of meteoric rise and remarkable comeback. He burst onto the scene in 2006, earning a spot on the 2008 US Ryder Cup team that triumphed over Europe at Valhalla Golf Club. Kim's impressive early years included three PGA Tour titles before his shocking decision to retire from professional golf in 2012.

Kim's decision to step away from golf was marked by personal struggles, including battles with drug and alcohol addiction. His remarkable comeback began in 2024, when he returned to the sport as a wildcard on the LIV Tour. Since then, he's worked his way back to the top, securing his first professional win in 16 years at LIV Golf Adelaide.

Anthony Kim retired for over a decade after an achilles injury, he completely stopped playing golf.

He battled substance abuse and mental health issues.

This is one of the most amazing comebacks you’ll ever see in sports.

pic.twitter.com/7jXdDpsOWa

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 15, 2026

“I just want to thank all the people that have supported me when I was not playing well and I was struggling on the verge of never coming back to live,” said Kim, who announced in 2025 that he had been sober for two years.

Anthony Kim was riding high after his best finish in 25 LIV Golf starts - a tie for 22nd at the season-opening tournament in Riyadh last week. This impressive performance set the stage for his remarkable win at LIV Golf Adelaide.