Anthony Kim Triumphs at LIV Golf Adelaide in Remarkable Career Return
Anthony Kim secured a stunning victory at LIV Golf Adelaide on Sunday, capping an extraordinary comeback after 12 years away from professional golf. The 40-year-old American fired a superb closing round of 9-under 63 to win by three strokes, marking his first triumph since the 2010 Houston Open.
Emotional Victory After Long Hiatus
Kim, who stepped away from competitive golf amid struggles with drug and alcohol issues, expressed disbelief at his win. "For it to actually happen is pretty insane," he said. "I just want to thank all the people that have supported me." He had to qualify last month just to earn a spot on the LIV Tour this season, making his victory all the more poignant.
Final Round Mastery in South Australia
Playing in shorts on a sunny day at The Grange Golf Club, Kim dazzled the large crowd with a birdie blitz. He sank four consecutive birdies on holes 12 through 15, with putts ranging from 11 to 17 feet. A crucial 15-footer on the par-4 17th extended his lead to three strokes, and he parred the 18th after missing a 20-foot birdie attempt that would have tied the course record.
Kim finished at 23 under par, while Jon Rahm, who shared the third-round lead with Bryson DeChambeau, carded a 71 to place second. DeChambeau shot 74 to tie for third with Tyrell Hatton and Peter Uihlein at 17 under.
Inspirational Message from a Comeback Star
A three-time PGA Tour winner, Kim reflected on his journey, stating, "I was able to produce some good golf today and 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." His best previous LIV finish was a tie for 25th, highlighting the significance of this breakthrough.
Team Success and Historical Context
In team competition, the all-Australian Ripper squad—featuring Cam Smith, Lucas Herbert, Marc Leishman, and Elvis Smylie—won for the second consecutive week, also claiming victory in Adelaide for the second time. Rahm's Legion XIII team finished second, while Kim led the 4Aces to a third-place finish.
Kim, who reached a career-high world ranking of No. 6 in 2008 and played on the winning US Ryder Cup team that year, has been rebuilding his game. Last year, he competed in six Asian Tour events, making four cuts and finishing tied for fifth in the Saudi International.
