ADELAIDE, Australia — Anthony Kim triumphed at LIV Golf Adelaide on Sunday, marking his first win in nearly 16 years with a spectacular final round of 9-under 63, securing a three-stroke victory.
The 40-year-old American stepped back from competitive golf for 12 years due to challenges with substance abuse. He needed to participate in a qualifying tournament last month to gain a spot for another season on the LIV Tour.
“It’s absolutely surreal that this is actually happening,” Kim expressed. “I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported me.”
Playing in shorts before a large audience on a beautiful day at The Grange Golf Club, Kim achieved four consecutive birdies from Nos. 12 to 15, sinking putts of 17, 11, 14, and 17 feet.
He made a 15-footer on the par-4 17th to extend his lead to three strokes going into the final hole, receiving a warm reception from the enthusiastic crowd as he approached the 18th fairway.
though he missed a 20-foot birdie opportunity that would have tied the course record, he tapped in for par to finalize his first victory since the 2010 Houston Open.
Kim finished at 23 under par, while Jon Rahm, who had shared the third-round lead with Bryson DeChambeau, took second place with a score of 71.
“I played some really solid golf today, and I knew it was on the horizon,” said Kim, a three-time PGA Tour champion whose top finish on the LIV Tour prior to this was a tie for 25th. “The only person who needs to believe in me is myself. For anyone struggling, know that you can overcome anything.”
Kim once reached No. 6 in the world rankings in 2008, the same year he was part of a victorious U.S. Ryder Cup team. Last year, he participated in six events on the Asian Tour, making four cuts, and concluded with a tie for fifth at the Saudi International.
DeChambeau shot a 74, tying for third with Tyrrell Hatton (67) and Peter Uihlein (68) at 17 under.
The all-Australian Ripper team, consisting of Cameron Smith, Lucas Herbert, Marc Leishman, and Elvis Smylie, clinched their second consecutive victory and the second win at Adelaide.
Rahm’s Legion XIII team finished second, while Kim’s 4Aces secured a third-place finish.
