The Phoenix is back! Anthony Kim claims the LIV Golf title in Adelaide – What a sensational redemption story!
Folks, hold onto your hats! What unfolded on Sunday in Adelaide was pure golf history. Anthony Kim, the man whose career many had already written off, claimed his first LIV Golf title – and his first tour victory since 2010! This isn't a fairy tale; this is the sensational redemption story we've been waiting for!
The 40-year-old American, who openly discusses his past struggles with alcohol addiction, fired an incredible 9-under-par 63. With five birdies on the back nine, he secured a three-shot victory in Adelaide. An absolutely stunning round!
He started the day five shots behind former world No. 1 Jon Rahm and the other Day Two leader, Bryson DeChambeau. But Kim absolutely reeled them in at The Grange Golf Club with a flawless round, showing them who's boss!
In front of an incredible crowd and a fantastic party atmosphere, Kim finished the spectacle at an astounding 23-under-par. He held a three-shot lead over Spain's Rahm, who didn't have much going for him that day. In his round of 71, Rahm mixed two birdies with a bogey – there was more to be had, Jon, honestly!
And our US-boy DeChambeau, also a two-time major winner? He had a truly dreadful day, golfers! Four bogeys on six holes of the front nine mercilessly sent him tumbling down the leaderboard. A bitter pill!
Ultimately, he finished in a tie for third place, six shots behind the lead, alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Peter Uihlein.
This victory is the ultimate culmination of an incredible comeback by Kim – the Ryder Cup champion, three-time PGA Tour winner, and former world No. 6 who walked away from golf in 2012. Who would've thought it?
After hard-fought battles against drug and alcohol addiction, as well as suicidal thoughts, he returned in 2024 as a wildcard to the Saudi-backed LIV Tour.
Although he was relegated last season, our fighter didn't give up! He fought his way back last month at the LIV Golf Promotions and snagged one of the three highly coveted qualifying spots. That's true willpower, folks!
And now for the kicker: For the 2026 season, he received a full-time offer from Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC after Patrick Reed surprisingly moved to the DP World Tour. Things are looking up for AK!
Visibly emotional, he thanked his family, who had supported him through tough times and helped him achieve this first victory since the 2010 Houston Open.
“It’s overwhelming,” Kim said. “But I’m always going to fight for my family. God gave me a talent, and today I was able to show really strong golf. I knew it was coming. No one else has to believe in me but myself. And to everyone out there struggling: You can do anything.” What a
