“One of the Best Stories in Sports,” Phil Mickelson Hails Anthony Kim Following His Incredible Victory at LIV Golf Adelaide

Anthony Kim claimed his first professional win since April 2010 as he won the LIV Golf Adelaide event in Australia on Sunday, finishing the event 23-under par.

“One of the Best Stories in Sports,” Phil Mickelson Hails Anthony Kim Following His Incredible Victory at LIV Golf Adelaide

Anthony Kim and Phil Mickelson (Image via Sky Sports/ESPN)

On Sunday, Anthony Kim produced one of the biggest stories in LIV Golf history as he came back from behind to win the LIV Golf Adelaide. Following his triumph, Phil Mickelson would hail him on social media and call his victory “one of the best stories in sports.“

Kim, the 40-year-old, stunned the golf world in 2024 when he returned to action. The 3-time PGA Tour winner had vanished from the scene in 2012 after battling injuries.

During his absence from competitive golf, he would face some challenges in his personal life. The golfer admitted to being under drug and substance abuse, and even had some mental health issues.

Following his comeback in 2024, he would play as a wild card player. Rust was clearly evident on him as he struggled on the course. Last year, he got relegated from the league. However, he fought back.

He would earn his way back to the league through the LIV Golf Promotion Event. After Patrick Reed left the 4Aces GC, Kim was named as his replacement and joined Dustin Johnson‘s team.

At the start of play on Sunday, Kim was 5 shots behind Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. The former would make two early bogeys while the latter would hold on with pars.

After birdies on No. 4, 5, 7, and 9, Kim would trim the lead to 1. He continued his hot form with 4 consecutive birdies from No. 12 to 15. This saw him jump in front of Rahm.

With a birdie on the 17th hole, he made par on the final 18th hole. This saw him finish the day with a 9-under 63 score and clinch the title with a 3-shot victory. It marked his first professional victory since his triumph at the Shell Houston Open in April 2010.

Phil Mickelson, who has been a huge supporter of Kim since his return to golf, seemed overwhelmed with his win. While replying to an X user, the “Lefty” claimed that it was “one of the best stories in sports” and wished that his win earned a spot in the 4 majors.

One of the best stories in sports! I wish the win got him in the 4 majors. He might still get in by invite but he really earned it.

Phil Mickelson said regarding Anthony Kim on X

While Kim earned a massive pay cheque of $4 million from his win at The Grange Golf Club, his rankings also skyrocketed. Before the start of the tournament, the American international was ranked 847th in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). With this victory, he is now ranked 203, a significant jump from his previous rankings.

Phil Mickelson also gave credit to Greg Norman following Anthony Kim’s victory

A great comeback story was scripted on Sunday as Anthony Kim ran away with the LIV Golf Adelaide title in Australia. After his win, Phil Mickelson claimed that Greg Norman should also be credited for this win of Kim.

Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman and Anthony Kim
Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman and Anthony Kim (Image via Imago)

In another reply on X, the 6-time major champion pointed out how Norman saw something in “AK” when nobody did.

Greg Norman deserves a lot of credit for seeing this in AK when many did not. He saw this in him and invested in his success and it’s now paying off.

Phil Mickelson said regarding Anthony Kim and Greg Norman on X

Norman was the CEO of LIV Golf when Kim joined the league. While the Australian Great was not present on the course on Sunday, he felt like a “proud dad” after Kim’s win.

I am like a proud dad… He had so much talent but it was buried by poor decisions and directions. He was lost and admitted it. But he owned it and wanted to change with the force for good.

Greg Norman said regarding Anthony Kim as per Michael McEwan of Bunkered

Earlier this year, Kim said his goal was to play in the majors. With him having no exemptions, he would have to qualify for these events through his world rankings or by earning an official sponsor invitation.

The former Ryder Cup winner has played in 15 majors and made the cut 11 times. His best finish came at the 2010 Masters, where he finished third, 4 shots behind Mickelson, who went on to win his 3rd green jacket.

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