Adelaide, Australia – In a remarkable comeback story, Anthony Kim secured his first professional golf victory in 16 years at the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament on Sunday. The 40-year-old Kim, who stepped away from the sport in 2014 while battling personal challenges, finished with a tournament total of 23-under par, besting Spanish star Jon Rahm by three strokes at The Grange Golf Club. This win marks a significant turning point for Kim, who has been open about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction and his journey to sobriety.
Kim’s final-round performance was nothing short of spectacular, carding a flawless nine-under 63 to overtake Rahm, who finished at 20-under. The victory is particularly poignant given Kim’s recent return to competitive golf, joining Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces team after regaining his LIV circuit card through an international play-off. The win comes with a $4 million prize [https://news.google.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?oc=5], or approximately $5.7 million Australian dollars.
Rahm, who entered the final round as a co-leader alongside Bryson DeChambeau, struggled to maintain his momentum. DeChambeau’s challenge faltered early with four bogeys in his first six holes. While Rahm managed a one-under round, it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Kim’s exceptional performance. Kim’s round included a crucial stretch of five birdies in six holes from the 12th, solidifying his lead and ultimately securing the victory. [https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMidkFVX3lxTE9JV3czZjFRdUstUUtZdGRWTHhReGI2YzZSR0o3NE1nOFFBcWk3a0xkdV90NkI5RVE4VjRtT3dLM3IwVzZsYXBoODhZRG9Wd0c1U2JPY09NQzBYaUFJNnZfZzRhd3luQzFaWGluenhVUjZoT0cyeXc?oc=5]
The 40-year-old Kim boasts an impressive golfing resume, including three PGA Tour wins, a Ryder Cup appearance, and holding the record for the most birdies in a single round at the Masters Tournament (11). However, his career was derailed by health issues, leading to his hiatus from the sport in 2014. He returned to the LIV circuit in 2024 as a reserve, eventually earning a spot on Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces team. [https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiswFBVV95cUxQUWRHYWR3UlZFY095ZTZDRjVLbmlZUXI4OE5YX3VaSWQ5bk9uWWg5UkQ2bXVkVnl3VXc0QjFpSGVZMm9lV3lJS1dxclhKcW9TZkVyMjlndGFVazBZSFhCMmRJekc0NnYyN0dnYmdNUDVGRW5oN2VUSUVPbk9PNzR5UmlyLWtwdW1MRThHSzVSTlM3TWNVWTNYWkxRVVYwR3lxeEhrejZ6X2RteEJYOVJkX1dnRQ?oc=5]
“It has been overwhelming,” Kim said after his win. “But I’m never not going to fight for my family. God gave me a talent. I was able to produce some quality golf today, I knew it was coming. Nobody else has to believe in me but me. And for anybody that’s struggling, you can secure through anything.” He added, “I knew this was going to happen but for it actually happen is pretty insane.”
Other notable performances included Tyrell Hatton, Peter Uihlein, and Bryson DeChambeau, who all finished at 17-under par. Australia’s Lucas Herbert briefly challenged for the lead, reaching 16-under, but a late stumble with three consecutive bogeys dashed his hopes of becoming the first Australian to win an individual LIV title in Adelaide. Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith both finished at 15-under, while Elvis Smylie finished at nine-under. [https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitwFBVV95cUxPOG5DOW1zY2l6aER3Ykg5MU94Ynp4QVo2aGlqWEtuTHppZzBaX2t0cFlScUM0UjQtbTZnRVpRQmtkejhyenRNYWp4OW82aGl4Rl81TE1WTm5Hd0ZNVXZVYS1FR3lPUHBOekMxbEthSDRsN3ZabERxUk9xY196R3VlZU5XaTRidGk4UVZ0MmdWeGFIMVFPcVlLWEpoRTZ6NV9hNEZacEN2VUZ4Um9BZXc5dmc1cVRsZGM?oc=5]
The all-Australian Ripper GC team, captained by Cameron Smith, also secured the team title, finishing two shots ahead of Rahm’s Legion XIII. This marks the second consecutive team victory for Ripper GC, having also won the title in Riyadh last weekend. [https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxOSm9VcHNjSllybFRlTjdvOXlMXzdzZkxHZGhGckM3OG1ERktqWFJGbjBxcy1fUTRrbWh1ZjViUXpYOHphT21FZlQ2cmpyRTF5WTRLM1BubkxQV0xCaE55ZktQMldVenhJandleUdpNkZWLXktWWd1dHUtdzAtbDMtbEFUTGFZOHRjanhSNWh5N2tqYmFJNVZ3aVZBR3A2T3pteDd4Vg?oc=5]
Looking ahead, Kim’s victory is expected to have a significant impact on the LIV Golf landscape. His inspiring comeback story and undeniable talent will undoubtedly draw more attention to the league. The next LIV Golf event is scheduled for [date to be confirmed], and all eyes will be on Kim to see if he can continue his remarkable run of form.
What are your thoughts on Anthony Kim’s incredible return to golf? Share your comments below and let us know what you think!
