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The Yeti Lives: Anthony Kim Wins LIV Adelaide

RyderCupPlayers.com StaffFebruary 15, 20262 min read

It actually happened. Anthony Kim wins his first pro tournament in 16 years. Is the redemption arc complete?

It is the story that was never supposed to happen. But in Adelaide, amidst the chaos of the "Watering Hole," the Yeti finally came out of hiding.

Anthony Kim has won a professional golf tournament in 2026.

By capturing the individual title at LIV Golf Adelaide, Kim completed one of the most improbable comebacks in sports history. After 16 years of myth-making, speculation, and silence, his game did the talking.

The Data Behind the "Miracle"

Nostalgia aside, how did he actually do it?

  • Short Game Genius: Kim's touch around the greens at The Grange was reminiscent of 2008. He led the field in Scrambling, saving par from positions that would have broken other players.
  • The "Ripper" Effect: Playing alongside Cam Smith's Ripper GC (who won the team title) seems to have unlocked a comfort level in Kim. He feeds off the team energy—a trait we saw at Valhalla in 2008.

The Ryder Cup Question (Let's Be Real)

The internet will immediately ask: "Can he play in the Ryder Cup?"

  • The Reality: Captain Keegan Bradley has a wealth of young talent (Gotterup, Bhatia, Theegala). It is highly unlikely he skips them for a 40-year-old wildcard.
  • The X-Factor: However, Adare Manor will be a hostile environment. Anthony Kim is one of the few Americans who has proven—on video—that he can stare down a hostile crowd and thrive. If he wins again, the conversation shifts from "Impossible" to "Why Not?"

Verdict: A nice story, but surely not... right?