ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Anthony Kim made headlines by winning LIV Golf Adelaide on Sunday. This victory ends a 16-year wait and marks a remarkable comeback for him.
The 40-year-old golfer took a long break from the sport due to struggles with drugs and alcohol. Recently, he played in a qualifying tournament just to secure his place on the LIV Tour.
After his victory, Kim expressed gratitude, saying, “For it to actually happen is pretty insane. I just want to thank all the people that have supported me.”
Playing under clear skies at The Grange Golf Club, Kim dazzled the crowd with four consecutive birdies from the 12th to the 15th hole. He made impressive putts from 17, 11, 14, and 17 feet. A 15-foot putt on the 17th hole gave him a solid three-stroke lead heading into the final hole. As he walked down the 18th fairway, the cheers from fans surrounded him.
Although he missed a longer birdie attempt that would have set a course record, he finished with a par, bringing his total to 23 under. His score secured him a three-shot win over Jon Rahm, who finished second with a 71.
Kim shared his thoughts on the day, stating, “I knew good golf was coming. Nobody else has to believe in me but me. For anyone struggling, you can get through anything.” His journey is a testament to resilience and personal growth.
In his prime, Kim reached No. 6 globally in 2008 and was part of a winning U.S. Ryder Cup team. Last year, he participated in six Asian Tour events, making the cut four times and finishing tied for fifth in the Saudi International.
In the overall team results, the all-Australian Ripper team claimed victory again, while Kim’s team, the 4Aces, took third place.
Kim’s comeback story has resonated with fans, highlighting the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself. As more athletes face personal struggles, Kim’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to reclaim what you love.
For more on golf and updates, visit the AP Golf page.
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