Sports world reacts to Kim’s inspiring victory at LIV Golf Adelaide
Feb 19, 2026 - 1:00 PMWritten by: Matt Vincenzi
Anthony Kim's incredible victory at LIV Golf Adelaide was his first professional win in nearly 16 years. The moment has ignited widespread admiration across the golf community and beyond.
Kim, who recently signed with 4Aces GC, fired a final-round 9-under 63, erasing a five-shot deficit to outpace LIV Golf superstars Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau by three strokes. The former PGA Tour and Ryder Cup star’s rise from the ashes has been hailed as one of the game’s greatest comeback stories. DeChambeau, who finished in the final group alongside Kim and Rahm, was among the first to react on the course. He told Kim, while shaking his hand and hugging him, "Great job, man. What a story... Proud of you.”
The congratulations and outpouring of support for Kim, however, went far beyond the LIV Golf roster. Sports stars from all over the world have posted on social media to express admiration for Kim’s outstanding achievement.
European Ryder Cup captain and former World No. 1 Luke Donald posted about the emotional victory on X.
Way to go AK!
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) February 15, 2026
Redemption stories always resonate. From being one of the most talented players in the world, to disappearing from the game, to putting in the work to get yourself back into the winner’s circle - that takes something special.
We all fail at times. Not everyone has…
Professional golfers echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the inspirational nature of Kim's triumph.
One of the biggest comeback stories of all time. Very few understand what it takes to win a golf tournament — let alone come back from something he did. And. Then. Have the courage to try again. In life. And then do something like this. Defies everything. God is great. 🙏💯🇺🇸💪❤️ pic.twitter.com/6LOwlSiEX0
— Cristie Kerr (@CKGolferChic) February 15, 2026
What a comeback @AnthonyKim_Golf. Incredible story of overcoming demons over the years! Congratulations on turning your life around. Your hard work & commitment paid off. Cherish this sweet victory with your family. Heart warming story of the year. @livgolf_league
— Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) February 15, 2026
Congrats @AnthonyKim_Golf on the victory! Impressive playing but it’s even more than that. It’s inspirational!!💪💪
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) February 15, 2026
Tiger Woods, speaking at this week’s Genesis Invitational PGA Tour press conference, offered warm praise for Kim's path.
"Yeah, this kid hit it so good," Woods said. "He was on an unbelievable run when he won at Charlotte, and we played each other — against each other at Congressional ... Then to see him struggle in life and didn’t really want to play golf, didn’t really want to be part of golf, and for him to come all the way back and for him to win and to be as devoted as he is to his family, it’s a story in which — you just have to wrap your heart around it because of the struggles."
Tiger Woods reacts to Anthony Kim’s win at LIV Golf Adelaide:
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 17, 2026
“Yeah, this kid hit it so good. He was on an unbelievable run when he won at Charlotte, and we played each other -- against each other at Congressional. He played unbelievable at the 2008 Ryder Cup. He had so much… pic.twitter.com/4i2if1ZaH4
Kim’s return from battles with mental health and addiction, a long hiatus from professional golf and a triumphant return to the winner’s circle has united fans and players in a rare show of solidarity. Social media was filled with posts celebrating the moment for Kim, who focused on family and perseverance to earn his way back to the top.
Redemption narratives are still the most captivating stories in professional sports. The latest chapter in Kim’s story proves it.