Anthony Kim completes improbable comeback with LIV Australia triumph
ANTHONY KIM returned to the winner’s circle early Sunday morning ET, capturing LIV Australia at Royal Adelaide and ending a 16-year victory drought with a flawless, nine-under final round that produced a three-shot triumph. The 40-year-old’s emotional finish marked one of the sport’s most unexpected resurgences.
Final-round charge seals the victory
Kim closed with a bogey-free 63, carding four straight birdies and five birdies in a six-hole stretch that separated him from a talented chase group that included major champions. His composure on the closing holes and an electric closing surge enabled him to finish at 23 under par and claim the title by three strokes.
On the 18th green an ecstatic crowd of roughly 38, 500 converged to celebrate as Kim’s final tap-in par putt sealed the win. Teammates doused him in celebratory fizzy water, and Kim shared an emotional embrace with his wife and young daughter after a victory that brought him to tears. “I don’t really know what to say right now, ” he said. “It’s a bit overwhelming, but I’m never not gonna fight for my family. God gave me a talent, I was able to produce some good golf today. I knew it was coming. Nobody else had to believe in me but me. ”
From long hiatus and personal recovery to a major return
Kim’s journey back to the winner’s circle carries more than competitive significance. His previous victory came 16 years ago, and his time away from professional golf included difficult personal battles. Since returning to competition in March 2024 after a 12-year absence, he has publicly addressed struggles with addiction and the recovery work that followed. The milestone victory arrives days before a personal sobriety anniversary: on February 20, 2026 ET he will mark three years sober.
After being relegated from the circuit at the end of the 2025 season, Kim rebuilt his standing by finishing third at a promotions event in January, earning his way back into the field for 2026. His spot in Adelaide nearly evaporated when he initially failed to secure a visa for Australia and was denied entry, but that immigration issue was resolved on February 8, 2026 ET, clearing the path for his participation and, ultimately, his win.
Kim reflected on his comeback in emotional terms, offering encouragement to others facing hardship: “For anybody that’s struggling right now, you can get through anything. ”
What the win means for Kim and the standings
The victory carries immediate financial and ranking benefits: Kim earned $4 million for the event and can move as high as 200th in the Official World Golf Ranking. Beyond the numbers, the win reshapes narratives about his long-term prospects, signaling that the 40-year-old can still produce high-level golf under pressure.
His performance at Royal Adelaide also has implications for team competition and roster dynamics. Kim had rejoined competitive team play earlier in the season, filling a vacancy on a prominent roster and showing steady improvement across recent events. The dominant final round in Australia suggested the form that once made him one of the game’s most promising players is returning.
For now, the focus will be on how Kim builds on this momentum. The emotional scenes at the 18th and his candid reflections on recovery and persistence made this victory about more than a trophy — it was a personal vindication and a high-profile reminder that comebacks in sport can arrive when least expected.
