How Anthony Kim made inspirational comeback from alcohol and drug addiction to claim LIV Golf Adelaide win - 'Don't f****** quit'
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Updated 16/02/2026 at 19:29 GMT
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Anthony Kim said that he wants his comeback story to inspire other people who have struggled with mental health and addiction issues having produced an inspirational return by winning LIV Golf Adelaide with a final round of 63. "I feel like the world needs more of that," Kim said of being able to help others. Watch all LIV Golf 2026 events live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
'Don't ******* quit!' - Kim's message after inspirational comeback win at LIV Golf Adelaide
Video credit: TNT Sports
Fresh from winning his first pro event for 16 years, Anthony Kim says he wishes to "inspire people" to never give up on their ambitions having overcome his own demons to make a heart-warming winning return to competitive golf.
Kim completed one of golf’s most improbable comebacks by claiming victory at LIV Golf Adelaide after a long and painful absence marked by injury, addiction and personal turmoil.
Now 40, Kim stepped away from professional golf in 2012 following a succession of injuries. In the years that followed, he endured "very dark moments" as he fell prey to "scam artists" and "snakes" while navigating life away from the sport.
The American recently opened up on his battle with drug and alcohol addiction and, at his lowest ebb, contemplated ending his life.
His return began tentatively in 2024 when he joined LIV Golf as a wildcard before recently securing a place on Dustin Johnson's 4Aces team after compatriot Patrick Reed departed.
In Adelaide, he began the final round five strokes adrift of overnight leaders Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. What followed was a performance of defiance and precision: nine birdies in a scintillating 63 to finish at 23-under par at The Grange Golf Club.
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'I want to inspire people' - Kim hopes to use 'therapeutic' LIV Golf win to spark hope
Video credit: SNTV
An emotional Kim told reporters following his triumph: "I felt like I didn't putt well the first three days but, when I started seeing the lines on the green, I just said, 'Give yourself as many chances as possible. You can win this thing.'
"Bryson and Jon didn't have their best today but, regardless, I putted great. My caddie [Grant Bennett] and I worked so well out there. I heard my wife shouting, even when it was going bananas out there.
"I don't want to forget the support I've had from the crowd here in Australia. It has been second to none.
"I'm very overwhelmed with this feeling right now. But my plan is to keep getting better and start winning some more trophies."
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Highlights: Kim beats out Rahm to complete incredible comeback story in Adelaide
Video credit: TNT Sports
Having spoken openly last year about his struggle with drugs and alcohol and his subsequent recovery following a stint in rehab, Kim reflected on the wider significance of his Adelaide triumph.
"I want to inspire people," he said. "I told my wife this, the only way I get to reach the amount of people I want to reach is by winning. I can talk about my struggles all I want but if I don't have the platform then I won't reach as many people."
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"When I was in rehab, that was my goal. I said, 'If I got out of here, I'd like to help people' and golf wasn't in the picture. So to be able to have this platform, to have LIV welcome me with open arms, has been tremendous in my growth and my self-belief that other people believe in me.
"My goal is to inspire the people that are struggling because I feel like the world needs more of that today."
Kim’s ascent to prominence first came in 2008, when he became the first American younger than 25 since Tiger Woods to win two PGA Tour events in the same calendar year.
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'I just wanted to take it all in' - Emotional Kim reflects on incredible LIV Golf Adelaide win
Video credit: TNT Sports
That same season, he was the youngest member of the victorious United States Ryder Cup team, collecting two-and-a-half points from four matches aged 23 during Europe's defeat at Valhalla.
The victory in Adelaide marks Kim’s first title since the 2010 Houston Open on the PGA Tour - a drought that once seemed destined never to end.
When asked if there was an overarching message that he would like to give to anyone battling similar obstacles in their career, Kim added: "Don't f****** quit. That's it. Don't f****** quit."
Kim will look to continue his good run when LIV Golf heads to Fanling in Hong Kong, with the action getting underway on TNT Sports and discovery+ on March 5.
Watch and stream the LIV Golf season live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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