Anthony Kim shocking the golf world with his first victory in 16 years, defeating Jon Rahm by three shots at LIV Golf Adelaide. The 40-year-old American, who spent 12 years away from professional golf, fired a flawless nine-under 63 in Sunday’s final round to claim his most improbable win.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Winning Score: 23-under par, three strokes ahead of Jon Rahm at 20-under
- Final Round: Nine-under 63, bogey-free with birdies on five of last seven holes
- Comeback Timeline: First professional win since 2010, after 12-year hiatus
- Sobriety Achievement: Three years sober from alcohol and drug addiction
The Perfect Final Round at The Grange
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Kim delivered a masterclass performance when it mattered most. Playing alongside Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau for the final group, he surged past both titans with five consecutive birdies down the stretch. His 63 marked one of the tournament’s cleanest rounds, with zero mistakes and aggressive play on crucial par-3s. DeChambeau finished tied for third at 17-under, while Tyrrell Hatton and Peter Uihlein filled the remaining top-five spots.
The Australian venue witnessed golf history unfold as Kim claimed the trophy at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide. His three-shot victory ended any doubt about his readiness for elite competition in the LIV Golf League.
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Few stories in modern sports match Kim’s trajectory. The golfer who once ranked among world golf’s brightest talents vanished after 2010, battling addiction and personal struggles for more than a decade. His return to professional golf in 2024 marked a watershed moment, earning him a wild card for LIV Golf through LIV Golf Promotions.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is that Kim had been relegated from LIV after the 2025 season. He earned third place at LIV Golf Promotions, securing another wild card slot. Just days later, he signed with 4Aces GC alongside Dustin Johnson, replacing Patrick Reed on a full-time basis.
The Comeback Connection
| Factor | Details |
| Years Away | 12 years (2010-2024) |
| Time Since Last Win | 16 years (2010-2026) |
| Personal Achievement | 3 years sober from addiction |
| Current Team | 4Aces GC (joined Feb 2026) |
Inside Adelaide, Kim proved the doubters wrong. His message before the tournament was clear: finding peace and sobriety matter more than any trophy. Yet capturing this LIV Golf crown validated his return and demonstrated that elite skill never truly fades.
“My goals are the same as they were when I first joined LIV,” Kim stated before the tournament. “It’s to get one per cent better every day, stay sober, and do my best for my team.”
— Anthony Kim, LIV Golf Player
Championship Narrative Completes at The Grange
Rahm mounted a strong challenge, shooting one-under 71 in the final round but couldn’t match Kim’s firepower. The Spanish star finished at 20-under par, his best effort insufficient against Kim’s historic surge. DeChambeau added three more places behind with his third-place finish, making the final leaderboard a who’s-who of modern golf’s elite.
Beyond individual accolades, Kim led 4Aces GC toward team competitiveness in his inaugural event. His four-day total combined scores of 68, 72, 69, 63, showcasing consistency alongside Sunday fire.
What’s Next for Golf’s Most Inspiring Comeback Story?
With this LIV Golf Adelaide victory, Anthony Kim announces his return not just to professional golf, but to winning. His next challenge involves maintaining momentum through 2026’s calendar. The golf world will watch closely to see if this breakthrough win launches sustained success or remains a singular triumph. Either way, Kim’s journey from darkness to Adelaide’s trophy lift transcends scores and rankings. It remains sport’s most powerful redemption arc, proving that three years of sobriety and unwavering belief can restore what once seemed permanently lost.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.