Anthony Kim is officially back!
In one of golf’s all-time greatest comeback stories, second maybe only to Tiger Woods’ 2019 Masters victory, Kim has returned to the winner’s circle.
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Kim celebrated his remarkable victory with his daughter IsabellaCredit: AFP
The cult hero golfer was seen as the next Woods in the late 2000s but injuries and addiction saw him quite the game altogether.
Now, the 40-year-old has pulled off what many thought impossible, winning again at the professional level.
Kim claimed glory at LIV Golf Adelaide, shooting an incredible final round 63 to leapfrog Jon Rahm and take the title.
It was his first victory in 16 years and completed his remarkable return.
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Kim won three PGA Tour events in quick fire at the start of his career, was brilliant at the 2008 Ryder Cup and was third at the 2010 Masters as many believed he would become the next big thing.
However, his career was curtailed in 2012 when he ruptured the Achilles in his left leg.
At the time he was also struggling with drug and alcohol abuse and has revealed since that he even contemplated suicide.
He then entered rehabilitation, found faith and had the loving support of his wife and daughter.
In February 2024, it was announced that Kim would return to professional golf and he joined the LIV Golf League.
He had struggled to make much of an impact on LIV, with many questioning the validity of his inclusion.
But that has all changed now.
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There were incredible scenes in Adelaide as Kim winCredit: Getty
Anthony Kim career wins
February 2026 – LIV Golf Adelaide – beat Jon Rahm by 3 strokes
April 2010 – Shell Houston Open – beat Vaughn Taylor in a playoff
November 2009 – Kiwi Challenge – beat Sean O’Hair in a playoff
July 2008 – AT&T National – beat Freddie Jacobson by 2 strokes
May 2008 – Wachovia Championship – beat Ben Curtis by 5 strokes
After claiming his then-LIV-best-finish of T22 at the 2026 season-opening Riyadh event, Kim shot rounds of 67, 67 and 68 in Adelaide.
And he caught fire on Sunday, shooting nine birdies to vault up the leaderboard, passing Tyrrell Hatton, Bryson DeChambeau and event leader Rahm to claim glory.
There were incredible scenes on the 18th hole as the Australian galleries flooded the fairway as Kim made his victorious walk up to the green.
He parred the last before erupting in celebration with all of the other LIV players cheering him on as well as the thousands of fans.
Asked how he was able to maintain his belief that he could win despite everything he’s been through, an emotional Lee said: “My family.
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Kim has had the loving support of his family throughout his dark timesCredit: AFP
“I don’t really know what to say right now, it’s a bit overwhelming but I’m never not going to fight for my family.
“God gave me a talent and I was able to produce some good golf today. I knew it was coming. Nobody else has to believe in me but me.
“For anybody struggling, you can get through anything.”
Asked about the support from his wife Emily and daughter Bella, he added: “I don’t really know how to put it into words.
“I knew this was going to happen but for it to actually happen, is pretty insane.
“I just want to thank all the people who have supported me, who, when I was not playing well and struggling, always supported me.
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Kim’s win completes one of golf’s greatest comeback storiesCredit: AFP
“Thank you to everyone who has been in my corner, I’m going to keep doing it.”
At his trophy presentation, Kim was joined by his daughter Bella and asked if he ever thought he would be back in the winner’s circle.
He simple said: “I f****** did, lets go!”
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He added: “No matter where you are in your life, never give up, keep fighting, you can do it too baby, lets go!”
Kim’s win has moved him up to second in the overall season standings on LIV and he’ll hope to perform well again at LIV Golf Hong Kong which starts on March 5.