In a story of profound personal redemption, former Ryder Cup sensation Anthony Kim has fought his way back from the brink of death to secure a dramatic return to professional golf with LIV Golf for the 2026 season.
From Rock Bottom to Redemption
The American golfer, now 40 years old, revealed the shocking depths of his struggles during his 12-year absence from the sport. Kim entered rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction, a battle that culminated in doctors giving him a devastating prognosis. He was told he potentially had just two weeks to live three years ago, a fact that makes his sporting resurrection all the more remarkable.
Kim's comeback was sealed at the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida, where he claimed one of just three available spots. He needed a clutch 36-foot birdie putt on his final hole on Friday just to make the 22-man weekend shootout, before carding impressive rounds of 66 and 69 to clinch the final place behind Richard T Lee and Bjorn Hellgren.
Faith, Sobriety, and a New Purpose
Speaking after his triumph, Kim attributed his recovery and return to finding faith and maintaining sobriety. "I found faith in rehab and in my sobriety," he stated. While humourously noting that "God gives a **** if I make LIV or if I don't," he expressed a deep sense of gratitude for his second chance. "To be here standing in front of you guys is a blessing. I'm so grateful that God has given me this opportunity to showcase what I'm best at."
His celebration was a poignant symbol of his changed life: a simple iced tea. The victory marks a significant step in a long journey back, following a wildcard entry to LIV in 2024 and subsequent relegation last season.
An Inspirational Boost for LIV Golf
Kim's return provides a timely and inspirational narrative for LIV Golf, which recently saw the departure of major winner Brooks Koepka. The news was hailed by fellow golf star Phil Mickelson, who took to social media to applaud the achievement. "AK gets his life back and now his golf game is back," Mickelson wrote. "He’s on LIV Golf for 2026. Congratulations! Truly inspirational."
Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner who once reached world number six, is now setting his sights higher. "I'll be back winning golf tournaments soon," he pledged, dismissing any notion of being a recreational player. He admitted he had been reluctant to return to the game due to the negative mental state associated with his past, but that golf became part of his healing process. "Part of my rehab process was to get outside and enjoy the weather and be in nature," he explained.
In a defiant message to his doubters, Kim concluded: "To all the people that don't feel I belong, they can suck it now... I'm not here to prove everyone wrong; I'm here to prove myself right. This is just the first step." His story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, marking one of the most extraordinary comebacks in modern sports history.
