Anthony Kim’s remarkable win at LIV Golf Adelaide has done more than add a trophy to his collection; it has revived belief that the 40-year-old could compete again at the biggest levels of golf.After twelve years away from the sport, many fans simply hoped that Kim had found peace and stability upon his return. Kim, however, had bigger 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 victory by three shots, pulling off one of the most unlikely comebacks in recent memory.
The performance quickly drew praise on social media, including calls from some quarters for one of the four major championships to consider granting him a special exemption. Among those showing their support was six-time champion Phil Mickelson, who described Kim’s victory as “one of the greatest stories in sports.”
Writing on X, Mickelson suggested Kim’s resurgence could extend far beyond LIV Golf.
“I wish the win got him into the four majors,” Mickelson wrote. “He could still get in by invitation, but he really earned it. Taking on Rahm and Bryson and winning was spectacular television. To win a major? I wouldn’t put it past him.”
While the idea of Kim lifting another major trophy may sound ambitious, his past performances suggest it’s not entirely far-fetched.
After turning pro in 2006, Kim enjoyed a productive stretch in the majors between 2007 and 2011. He finished third at the 2010 Masters and memorably set an Augusta National single-round record with 11 birdies in 2009. At the Open Championship, he posted finishes of T7 (2008) and T5 (2011), demonstrating a clear comfort on the links layouts.
Kim was also consistent at the US Open, finishing in all four appearances with a best finish of T16. The PGA Championship proved more challenging, with two missed cuts and no better finish than the low 50s.
Ironically, this year’s PGA Championship may offer its most realistic route back to a major field. After his victory in Adelaide, Kim rose more than 600 places in the Official World Golf Ranking and is now just outside the top 200. With five LIV events to go before May, a further climb into the top 100 could put him in position when Aronimink hosts.
A return to Augusta National seems much less likely unless he receives a special invitation, similar to Joaquin Niemann’s path to the 2025 Masters. Otherwise, Kim could try to qualify for both the US Open and the Open Championship if his ranking doesn’t rise high enough in time.
Regardless of how – or if – he returns to a major, Kim’s victory has already reshaped the narrative surrounding his comeback. What started as a feel-good return story is now something more ambitious.
And if Mickelson is right, the next chapter could be even bigger.
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