Anthony Kim Biography: Age, Career, Comeback Story & LIV Golf Triumph

Anthony Kim is an American professional golfer of Korean descent who captured the world’s attention with one of the most extraordinary comeback stories in sports history. After vanishing from professional golf for 12 years due to career-threatening injuries and personal struggles, the three-time PGA Tour winner returned to claim victory at LIV Golf Adelaide in February 2026, his first win in nearly 16 years.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Anthony Kim was born on June 19, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, to Korean-American parents Paul and Miryoung Kim . Growing up in Southern California, Kim developed his golf skills at an early age. During his sophomore year at La Quinta High School, his family moved to a home near the Stadium Course at PGA West, where he won the Southern California high school championship .

Kim accepted a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he became one of the most decorated amateur golfers in the program’s history. During his time with the Sooners (2003–2005), he achieved:

• Three-time All-American honors (2004–2006)
• 2004 NCAA Freshman of the Year
• Set Oklahoma’s record for lowest scoring average relative to par (71.73)
• Won the individual Big 12 Championship in 2005
• Named 2005 Big 12 Golfer of the Year

In 2005, Kim represented the United States in the Walker Cup, contributing 2½ points to the team’s victory over Great Britain & Ireland . Golfweek magazine ranked him as the top collegiate golfer entering the 2005–06 season, leading him to forgo his junior year and turn professional .

Career Journey

Early Professional Success (2006–2007)

Kim turned professional in 2006 and made an immediate impact. He received a sponsor’s exemption to the Valero Texas Open, where he finished tied for second in his PGA Tour debut, earning nearly $300,000 . Later that year, he finished T13 at PGA Tour Qualifying School, securing his tour card for the 2007 season.

As a rookie in 2007, Kim played 26 events, making 20 cuts and earning four top-10 finishes. He qualified for the U.S. Open through sectional qualifiers and finished T20 at Oakmont Country Club .

Rise to Stardom (2008–2010)

The years 2008–2010 marked Kim’s peak as one of golf’s brightest stars:

2008 Wachovia Championship: Kim claimed his first PGA Tour victory at Quail Hollow Club, finishing at 16-under 272—five strokes ahead of the field and breaking Tiger Woods’ tournament record by three strokes . At age 22, he became one of only five golfers in 30 years to win three PGA Tour titles before age 25, joining Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in that elite company .

2008 AT&T National: Two months later, Kim won again at Congressional Country Club, shooting a final-round 65 to erase a three-shot deficit and win by two strokes .

2008 Ryder Cup: Kim delivered one of the most memorable performances in Ryder Cup history at Valhalla Golf Club. As the youngest player on either team at 23, he compiled a 4–1–0 record, highlighted by a dominant 5-and-4 singles victory over European star Sergio Garcia in just 14 holes . U.S. captain Paul Azinger called it “one of the classic moments in Ryder Cup history” .

2009 Presidents Cup: Kim contributed three points to the U.S. team’s victory at Harding Park .

2009 Masters Record: Kim set a Masters Tournament record with 11 birdies in the second round at Augusta National, shooting a 7-under 65 .

2010 Shell Houston Open: Kim secured his third and final PGA Tour victory, defeating Vaughn Taylor in a sudden-death playoff .

2010 Masters: Kim achieved his best major championship finish, placing third at Augusta National after a sensational final-round 65 featuring 11 birdies .

By September 2008, Kim reached a career-high world ranking of No. 6 and earned over $4.6 million in 2008 alone—his most successful season financially .

The Disappearance (2012–2024)

Kim’s promising career came to a sudden halt in 2012. After playing 10 PGA Tour events that year, he underwent surgery on his left Achilles tendon in late June, an injury sustained during fitness training . What was expected to be a 9–12 month recovery stretched into 12 years of absence from professional golf.

During this period, Kim faced numerous challenges:

• Multiple shoulder surgeries
• Hand surgery
• Spinal fusion surgery
• Drug and alcohol addiction
• Mental health struggles
• Association with “scam artists” and negative influences

Kim later revealed that he had contemplated suicide on multiple occasions during his absence and that doctors told him he didn’t have much time left due to his health condition . He also reportedly collected a $10–20 million insurance payout for career-ending disability, which provided financial security but also fueled speculation about why he never returned to the PGA Tour .

The Return and LIV Golf Comeback (2024–Present)

In February 2024, Kim made his shocking return to professional golf as a wildcard entry in the LIV Golf League, starting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia . His wife Emily encouraged him by saying, “Who’s ever going to get this opportunity again? You can do something that nobody else has done if you accomplish something big with your comeback, so do it for your daughter” .

The comeback was initially rocky. In his first season (2024), Kim played 14 events without recording a single top-30 finish. His best result was 36th at LIV Golf Greenbrier . In 2025, he continued to struggle, failing to earn individual points and finishing outside the top 40 in 12 of 13 starts, leading to relegation from the league .

However, Kim persisted with his “1% better every day” mentality. In January 2026, he finished third at the LIV Golf Promotions event to regain his tour card . When Patrick Reed left the 4Aces team, captain Dustin Johnson signed Kim .

Historic Victory at LIV Golf Adelaide (February 2026)

On February 15, 2026, Anthony Kim completed one of golf’s most improbable comebacks. Starting the final round at LIV Golf Adelaide five shots behind major champions Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, Kim fired a flawless 9-under 63 to win by three strokes .

The victory was worth $4 million—nearly matching his entire previous LIV Golf earnings—and marked his first professional win since the 2010 Houston Open, ending a 16-year drought . After holing the winning putt, Kim’s 4-year-old daughter Bella raced onto the 18th green at The Grange Golf Club to embrace her father in one of the most emotional moments in recent golf history .

“To be able to share this moment—even though Bella won’t understand it, one day she will—and for her to be able to run on the green and see her dad isn’t a loser was one of the most special moments of my life,” Kim said .

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Anthony Kim is married to Emily Kim (née Stanley). The couple had been together for several years before his return to golf, though they kept their relationship largely private during his absence from the sport .

Their daughter, Isabella “Bella” Kim, was born in December 2021—nearly three months premature . Kim has described Bella as a “fighter” and credits fatherhood with giving him purpose and self-worth he had never felt before .

“Becoming a father gave me self-worth and a sense of duty I had never felt before,” Kim explained. “I had no self-worth until I became a father. I really didn’t feel that, and now I have a duty, I have a responsibility of taking care of my family and being the best role model for my daughter as I could be” .

Sobriety and Personal Transformation

Kim has been open about his struggles with addiction during his 12-year absence. He revealed in 2024 that he had been sober for two years after battling drug and alcohol abuse . His social media tagline is “sober is dope,” reflecting his commitment to maintaining his sobriety .

“I would say that I wasn’t the best person, the best partner, the best whatever you want to call it, the best son I could be when I was younger,” Kim admitted after his Adelaide victory. “But who I am today is a completely different person. With God, my family, my sobriety being the key things to my life, I can go as far as I want” .

Career Statistics & Achievements

PGA Tour Career (2006–2012)

PGA Tour Wins

LIV Golf Career (2024–Present)

Major Championship Record

International Team Appearances

• 2005 Walker Cup: Member of winning U.S. team (2½ points)
• 2008 Ryder Cup: 4–1–0 record, including 5&4 win over Sergio Garcia
• 2009 Presidents Cup: 3 points contributed to U.S. victory

Records & Milestones

• Masters Tournament record: 11 birdies in a single round (2009)
• One of five players in 30 years to win three PGA Tour titles before age 25
• Youngest player on 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team
• Reached No. 6 in Official World Golf Ranking (career high, 2008)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I knew my life was changing on the 18th green when I was lining that putt up. It was just so special. I’ll never forget that feeling. All these emotions were starting to run through, and I realized what I had done, and all the hard work had paid off.” — After first PGA Tour win, 2008

“I had no self-worth until I became a father. I really didn’t feel that, and now I have a duty, I have a responsibility of taking care of my family and being the best role model for my daughter as I could be. That gives me purpose every morning and I just didn’t have that before.” — On fatherhood, 2024

“Nobody else has to believe in me but me. And for anybody that’s struggling, you can get through anything.” — After LIV Golf Adelaide victory, 2026

“I’m too old to be reacting like that because I think I pulled something in my hip. But I will say that was all the lows I went through in my life that I got to dig out of. Every putt that went in, I felt the struggle, and I was overcoming it. It was therapeutic out there to fight through it and come out on top.” — On his emotional celebration at Adelaide, 2026

“With God, my family, my sobriety being the key things to my life, I can go as far as I want.” — On his transformation, 2026

Favorites

• Golf Course: Quail Hollow Club (site of first PGA Tour win)
• Tournament: The Masters (holds record for most birdies in a round)
• Equipment: Titleist (though he famously played with outdated golf balls initially upon his return, not realizing Titleist had changed their ball models in 2020)
• Team: 4Aces GC (current LIV Golf team)
• Motto: “1% better every day”

Earnings & Net Worth

Anthony Kim’s net worth is estimated between $10–14 million as of 2026 . His career earnings include:

• PGA Tour (2006–2012): $12,206,409
• LIV Golf (2024–2026): Approximately $7 million
• Insurance Payout: Reported $10–20 million career-disability settlement
• Total Career Earnings: $19.1 million+

His victory at LIV Golf Adelaide earned him $4 million—nearly matching his best single-season earnings on the PGA Tour .

Interesting Facts

• Kim wore a signature diamond-studded belt buckle with “AK” initials during his peak years, becoming one of golf’s most recognizable fashion statements
• He is one of only five golfers in the last 30 years to win three PGA Tour titles before turning 25, alongside Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson
• During his 12-year absence, he underwent surgeries on his Achilles, shoulder, hand, and spine (spinal fusion)
• He almost didn’t make it to his Adelaide victory—visa issues delayed his arrival in Australia until Tuesday, allowing only one practice round
• His daughter Bella was born three months premature but survived and thrived, inspiring Kim’s comeback
• He initially returned to golf using outdated Titleist golf balls, not realizing the company had changed their Pro V1 model in 2020, costing him 15 yards of distance until he switched
• Dustin Johnson personally signed him to the 4Aces team after Patrick Reed’s departure
• Fellow golfer Lucas Herbert admitted “I cried” watching Kim’s victory celebration

Did You Know?

• Anthony Kim’s 5-and-4 victory over Sergio Garcia at the 2008 Ryder Cup took only 14 holes, making it one of the most dominant singles performances in Ryder Cup history
• He holds the Masters Tournament record for most birdies in a single round (11), set during his 7-under 65 in the second round of the 2009 Masters
• Kim was relegated from LIV Golf in 2025 after finishing outside the top 48, only to earn his way back through the Promotions event and win his very next tournament
• His Adelaide victory came against Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau—two players with four major championships between them
• Kim’s parents met while working in Los Angeles; his mother worked her entire life until Kim turned professional and promised to retire her, which he accomplished

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @anthonykimgolf
• TikTok: @anthonykim
• LIV Golf Profile: LIVGolf.com/Player/Anthony-Kim

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was Anthony Kim away from professional golf?
Anthony Kim was away from competitive professional golf for 12 years, from 2012 to 2024. He last won on the PGA Tour at the 2010 Houston Open and didn’t win again until LIV Golf Adelaide in February 2026—a gap of nearly 16 years .

What happened to Anthony Kim during his 12-year absence?
During his absence, Kim underwent multiple surgeries including Achilles tendon repair, shoulder surgeries, hand surgery, and spinal fusion. He also battled drug and alcohol addiction, faced mental health challenges, and dealt with “scam artists” who took advantage of him. He has stated he contemplated suicide during this period .

Who is Anthony Kim’s wife?
Anthony Kim is married to Emily Kim (née Stanley). They have been together for many years, and she encouraged him to attempt his comeback with LIV Golf. They have one daughter together, Isabella “Bella” Kim, born in December 2021 .

What is Anthony Kim’s career record in major championships?
Kim’s best major finish was third place at the 2010 Masters Tournament. He also achieved T16 at the 2009 U.S. Open and T5 at the 2011 Open Championship. He never won a major but held the Masters record for most birdies in a single round (11) .

How much money has Anthony Kim earned in his career?
Kim has earned approximately $19.1 million in official career earnings—$12.2 million on the PGA Tour and roughly $7 million from LIV Golf (including his $4 million Adelaide victory). He also reportedly received a $10–20 million insurance payout during his absence .

What is Anthony Kim’s world ranking?
Kim reached a career-high of No. 6 in the world in 2008. Upon his return in 2024, he had fallen outside the top 2,500. Following his Adelaide victory in February 2026, he is projected to climb back inside the top 200 as LIV Golf now receives world ranking points .

Conclusion

Anthony Kim’s journey from golf prodigy to vanished star to redemption champion stands as one of the most compelling narratives in sports history. His victory at LIV Golf Adelaide in February 2026 wasn’t merely a tournament win—it was the culmination of a 12-year battle against injuries, addiction, and personal demons that would have ended most athletic careers.

From his early days as a can’t-miss amateur at the University of Oklahoma to his meteoric rise on the PGA Tour, his dominant Ryder Cup performance, and his shocking disappearance from the sport, Kim’s story embodies both the heights of athletic achievement and the depths of human struggle. His return at age 40 to defeat two of golf’s biggest stars proves that redemption is possible with faith, family, and unwavering determination.

As Kim himself said after his historic victory, “For anybody that’s struggling, you can get through anything.” His story now serves as an inspiration not just to golfers or athletes, but to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. With his daughter Bella by his side and his sobriety intact, Anthony Kim has proven that the final chapters of one’s story can still be written, even after the world has counted you out.

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