Golfer’s Epic Comeback with LIV Adelaide Win

Anthony Kim, the former PGA Tour prodigy turned LIV Golf sensation, has captivated fans with his improbable return after a 12-year hiatus. His recent team debut and career resurgence highlight a story of triumph over adversity.

Prodigy Roots

Born June 19, 1985, in Los Angeles, Anthony Ha-Jin Kim burst onto the golf scene at the University of Oklahoma. He set the school’s scoring average record at 71.73 relative to par, earned three-time All-American honors, and was named 2004 NCAA Freshman of the Year.

Kim clashed with coaches over his intense lifestyle—practicing and partying at 150% effort—but his talent was undeniable as the top-ranked collegiate golfer.​

PGA Tour Breakthrough

Kim turned pro in 2006, tying for second in his debut at the Valero Texas Open via sponsor exemption. He earned his 2007 PGA Tour card through Q-School, logging four top-10s as a rookie and breaking into the top 100 world rankings.

In 2008, he exploded with wins at the Wachovia Championship—shooting a tournament-record 16-under 272—and the AT&T National, hosted by Tiger Woods. These victories propelled him to No. 16 in the world.

Ryder Cup Heroics

Kim’s 2008 Ryder Cup performance at Valhalla was legendary, dominating Europe’s Sergio Garcia 4&3 in singles and helping the U.S. end a nine-year drought with a 16.5-11.5 win. He amassed 3.5 of 4 possible points.

The next year at the Presidents Cup, Kim went 3-1, including a 5&3 singles rout of Robert Allenby, aiding America’s 19.5-14.5 victory.​

Masters Record Breaker

At the 2009 Masters, Kim torched Augusta National with a second-round 11 birdies, shattering the single-round record previously held by Nick Price’s 10. He finished T20 but etched his name in major lore.​

His best major result came at the 2010 Masters with a T3 at 12-under, one stroke shy of runner-up Lee Westwood and four behind Phil Mickelson.

Injury and Vanishing Act

A ruptured Achilles tendon in 2012 sidelined Kim after the Wells Fargo Championship. He underwent surgery and vanished from golf amid rumors of addiction, mental health struggles, and off-course turmoil.

From 2012 to 2024, Kim played no competitive golf, living abroad and battling personal demons. Speculation swirled, but he stayed out of the spotlight.

LIV Golf Resurrection

Kim returned in 2024 with LIV Golf, signing a lucrative deal after years away. He competed independently before joining teams, showing flashes amid rust.

In November 2025, he fired a bogey-free 64 at the PIF Saudi International—his lowest round since 2011—finishing T5, his first top-10 in 14 years.

Adelaide Triumph

Kim’s crowning moment: winning the 2026 LIV Golf Adelaide at -23, three shots ahead of Jon Rahm’s -20. It marked his first pro victory in 16 years, a stunning comeback at age 40.​

This triumph, just weeks ago, vaulted him into LIV headlines and boosted his Official World Golf Ranking from 4,221st to No. 847 over two years.​

4Aces Team Switch

As of February 12, 2026, Kim replaced Patrick Reed full-time on Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC LIV team. In his debut, he tied for 22nd but expressed gratitude: “Blessed to be alive.”​

LIV’s new world ranking points for top-10s position Kim for further climbs, especially after his T3 in the January 2026 LIV Promotions event earning his league spot.

Personal Battles Won

Kim has openly discussed college-era addiction and mental health issues that worsened post-injury. Now sober, married to Emily with daughter Bella, he credits family for his revival.

In emotional interviews, like with David Feherty, he detailed life’s spiral but embraced golf anew with “new priorities.”

Legacy and Future

Kim’s PGA stats: 122 starts, 84 cuts, three wins, $12.2 million earned, peaking with 22 top-25s. His 15 major starts yielded six top-25s, including three top-10s.

At 40, with LIV stability and rising form, Kim eyes more wins and majors eligibility. His story—from ghost to golf’s ultimate redemption arc—inspires as LIV grows.