Anthony Kim’s remarkable victory at LIV Golf Adelaide has done more than add a trophy to his collection — it has reignited belief that the 40-year-old could once again contend on golf’s biggest stages.
After 12 years away from the sport, many fans were simply hoping Kim had found peace and stability in his return. Kim, however, had loftier ambitions. He believed he could win again — and in Australia, he proved it.
Trailing both Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau by five shots entering the final round, Kim stormed back to claim a three-shot victory, delivering one of the most unlikely comebacks in recent memory.
The performance quickly drew praise across social media, including calls from some corners for one of the four major championships to consider granting him a special exemption. Among those voicing support was six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, who described Kim’s win as “one of the best stories in sports.”
Writing on X, Mickelson suggested Kim’s resurgence could extend well beyond LIV Golf.
“I wish the win got him in the four majors,” Mickelson wrote. “He might still get in by invite but he really earned it. Going head to head with Rahm and Bryson and winning was spectacular TV. Winning a major? I wouldn’t put it past him.”
While the idea of Kim lifting a major trophy again may sound ambitious, his past performances suggest it’s not entirely far-fetched.
After turning professional in 2006, Kim enjoyed a productive stretch in the majors between 2007 and 2011. He finished third at the 2010 Masters and memorably set a single-round Augusta National record with 11 birdies in 2009. At The Open Championship, he posted finishes of T7 (2008) and T5 (2011), showing a clear comfort on links layouts.
Kim was also consistent at the U.S. Open, making the cut in all four appearances with a best finish of T16. The PGA Championship proved more challenging, with two missed cuts and no finish better than the low-50s.
Ironically, the PGA Championship may offer his most realistic route back into a major field this year. Following his win in Adelaide, Kim surged more than 600 spots in the Official World Golf Ranking and now sits just outside the top 200. With five more LIV events remaining before May, a continued climb into the top 100 could put him in position when Aronimink hosts.
A return to Augusta National appears far less likely unless he receives a special invitation, similar to Joaquin Niemann’s path into the 2025 Masters. Otherwise, Kim could attempt to qualify for both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship if his ranking doesn’t rise high enough in time.
Regardless of how — or whether — he makes it back to a major, Kim’s victory has already reshaped the narrative around his comeback. What began as a feel-good return story is now something more ambitious.
And if Mickelson is right, the next chapter might be even bigger.