Twelve years after vanishing from the sport, first through injury and then through a life detour far bigger than golf, the former PGA Tour star produced one of the sharpest comeback wins LIV has seen.
Kim stunned LIV Golf Adelaide on the final day with a closing 9 under 63 to finish 23 under and beat Jon Rahm by three shots at The Grange Golf Club. Bryson DeChambeau, who began the day tied with Rahm at 19 under, struggled to a 74 and slipped into a tie for third at 17 under.
It was not supposed to be Kim’s stage. He started the final round five back, paired with two of the biggest names in the league. For most, the best case looked like a strong finish and another step forward.
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Instead, Kim turned back the clock.
Four straight birdies lit up the loudest gallery LIV has drawn this season. The swagger returned. So did the emotion. By the time the back nine tightened, the footnote had become the headline.
The win also came after another fight just to be here. Kim earned his way back into the league through LIV Promotions ( LIV’s qualifying tournament) last month, finishing top three to regain his card after relegation. Until Adelaide, he had shown only flashes, including a tied 22nd in Riyadh last week.
Once a world No. 6 and a Ryder Cup winner, Kim had not lifted a trophy since the Houston Open in April 2010. Adelaide ended that wait, 5796 days later.
On the 18th green, his four year old daughter Bella ran into his arms.
In Adelaide, Anthony Kim did not just win a golf tournament. He completed a return few thought was possible.
Photo – LIV Golf
