Anthony Kim Rockets Back Into OWGR Top 250 After Emotional LIV Golf Adelaide Win
Anthony Kim produced one of the most remarkable comeback moments in recent golf memory, winning at LIV Golf Adelaide and propelling himself dramatically up the Official World Golf Ranking. The 40-year-old's first victory in nearly 16 years not only delivered an emotional return to the winners' circle but also triggered a seismic jump in his world standing.
Major leap in the rankings after a long absence
Kim earned 23. 13787 ranking points for the Adelaide triumph, vaulting from No. 847 to No. 203 in the OWGR. That represents his highest ranking since July 22, 2012. The climb is the latest chapter in a comeback that began with a strong showing at the PIF Saudi International last fall, where a top-five finish lifted him from as low as No. 1, 804 earlier in the season.
His Adelaide performance was noteworthy not just for the outcome but for the manner in which it unfolded. After more than a decade away from the public eye and competitive golf, Kim recaptured elements of the game that made him a fan favorite in the late 2000s. He produced a dominant final round, holding off two of the tour's most powerful players down the stretch.
Implications for majors and LIV standings
While the ranking jump is headline-grabbing, the path back to major championship contention will require continued excellence. One victory boosts Kim significantly, but re-establishing a place in the major fields typically demands either another win or a series of top finishes over the coming months.
There is an immediate, tangible prize on the line in the season ahead: a U. S. Open spot reserved for the highest-ranked player not otherwise exempt who finishes in the top three of the 2026 LIV Golf individual standings as of May 18, 2026 ET. With two events complete in the current campaign, Kim sits in a promising position to challenge for that exemption, but five more events remain before the cutoff date, meaning consistency will be crucial.
The standings also saw movement among other contenders. One prominent challenger jumped 17 places to re-enter the top 50, underscoring how quickly fortunes can change early in the season as players collect points and shape their championship bids.
A comeback that resonated beyond the leaderboard
Kim's win in Adelaide carries broader implications than rankings alone. The narrative of a long-absent star returning to competitive prominence struck a chord with fans and fellow players. The emotional tenor of the victory — part redemption, part validation — served as a reminder of how unpredictable and compelling sport can be.
Looking ahead, Kim faces the dual challenge of maintaining momentum and navigating the depth of talent he bested in Adelaide. With multiple events on the schedule before the U. S. Open exemption deadline, the coming weeks will test whether this win is the start of a sustained resurgence or a memorable high point in an already extraordinary return.
For now, the headline is unavoidable: a long-awaited victory has thrust Anthony Kim back into meaningful contention, and his climb up the world rankings has reintroduced him as a player to watch as the season progresses.
