Anthony Kim Secures First Victory in 16 Years with LIV Golf Triumph

Anthony Kim, who made a surprise return to professional golf with the LIV Golf tour in March 2024 after a 12-year hiatus, has clinched his place back among the sport’s elite. Initially sidelined by a torn Achilles tendon and later battling issues with substance abuse, Kim’s resurgence marks one of the most extraordinary comebacks in the history of golf—and sports as a whole.

His triumphant return was nothing short of spectacular as he faced off against two of the sport’s titans, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, in the final grouping.

At 40 years old, Kim delivered an impressive final round, shooting a 9-under-par 63 to finish the tournament at 23-under-par. His remarkable performance secured him the title at the LIV Golf Adelaide event in Australia, finishing three strokes ahead of Rahm, who managed only a one-under in the concluding round. This marked Rahm’s second consecutive second-place finish.

DeChambeau, who had a difficult day with a final round score of 74 at the par-72 The Grange Golf Club, ultimately tied for third place at 17-under-par, sharing the spot with two other competitors.

As the tournament reached its final day, the stage seemed set for a showdown between Rahm and DeChambeau, promising an intense battle to the finish.

They were both tied for the lead at -19. Kim, who was in the final group with the two powerhouses, was five back at -14, with many likely thinking a good finish would build on his recent momentum, but not that he would win the tournament over two of golf’s best.

Kim’s comeback victory in his 35th LIV Golf start is all the more remarkable, considering the fact he struggled in his first two seasons and played himself out of the league.

But Kim played his way back on to the league with a top 3 finish in the LIV Golf Promotion event on Jan. 12 this year (only three spots were available for league re-entry). He finished tied for 22nd in the LIV Golf Riyadh event in the first tournament of the season before Sunday’s stunning victory.

What makes Kim’s thrilling comeback win more noteworthy was the fact he was one of the Top PGA Tour players in the world and on the cusp of superstardom before he suffered his Achilles tendon injury.

Kim, who turned pro in 2006, won three PGA Tour events — capturing the AT&T National and Wachovia Championship in 2008 and the Shell Houston Open in 2010. He also played on the 2008 Ryder Cup team at Valhalla in which he was a key part of the winning team, defeating Sergio García 5&4 in the Sunday singles.