Anthony Kim's 16-year wait for a win ends at LIV Golf Adelaide - ESPN
*
Associated Press
February 15, 2026, 02:38 AM ET
ADELAIDE, Australia -- After a 16-year hiatus, Anthony Kim claimed his first victory at LIV Golf Adelaide on Sunday, capping an incredible comeback with a final round of 63, three strokes ahead of the competition.
The 40-year-old American, who had been battling drug and alcohol issues, had to qualify just last month to secure his spot on the LIV Tour. Despite his struggles, Kim's determination paid off.
"It's surreal," Kim said. "I want to thank everyone who has supported me through this journey."
Playing in shorts and a sunny day at The Grange Golf Club, Kim's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He birdied four holes in a row (12-15) with precision, sinking putts of 17, 11, 14, and 17 feet.
On the par-4 17th, Kim's 15-footer gave him a three-stroke lead, and the crowd's support fueled his momentum as he approached the 18th fairway.
Although he missed a 20-foot birdie attempt, Kim still managed to secure his first win since the 2010 Houston Open, finishing at 23 under par.
Jon Rahm, who tied for the third-round lead with Bryson DeChambeau, finished second with a score of 71. Kim's previous best LIV finish was a tie for 25th, but he's now a three-time PGA Tour winner.
Kim's journey to the top is remarkable. He reached the No. 6 spot in the world in 2008, the same year he contributed to the U.S. Ryder Cup victory. Last year, he played six times on the Asian Tour, making four cuts and finishing with a tie for fifth in the Saudi International.
Despite his recent success, DeChambeau struggled, finishing with a 74 and tying for third place with Tyrrell Hatton (67) and Peter Uihlein (68), all at 17 under par.
The all-Australian Ripper team, led by Cameron Smith, Lucas Herbert, Marc Leishman, and Elvis Smylie, continued their winning streak, claiming the title in Riyadh last week and again in Adelaide.
Rahm's Legion XIII squad finished second, and Kim's 4Aces team secured third place.
