Anthony Kim Makes Triumphant Return with First LIV Golf Win in 16 Years

After a 12-year hiatus from the golf world due to a torn Achilles tendon and subsequent struggles with substance abuse, Anthony Kim made a triumphant return by joining the LIV Golf tour in March 2024. His comeback reached a new pinnacle as he clinched victory, marking one of the most extraordinary resurgences in both golf and sports history.

Kim’s victory was nothing short of spectacular, as he outperformed golf giants Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, who were his competitors in the final group.

The 40-year-old golfer delivered a sensational performance with a final round of 9-under-par 63 on Sunday, securing a total score of -23. This stellar performance earned him the title at the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament in Australia, finishing three strokes ahead of Rahm, who managed just one-under in the last round. This marked Rahm’s second consecutive second-place finish.

Meanwhile, DeChambeau faced challenges during his final round, carding a 74 on the par 72 course at The Grange Golf Club. He ended the tournament in a three-way tie for third place at -17.

As the tournament entered its last day, many anticipated a fierce showdown between Rahm and DeChambeau, both starting the round tied for the lead at -19.

Kim, sharing the final group with these two formidable opponents, began the day five strokes behind at -14. While many expected him to capitalize on his recent momentum, few imagined he would emerge victorious over two of the sport’s top players.

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.