Inside the Win: How Anthony Kim's Victory Stands in Golf History
The Significance of Anthony Kim's LIV Adelaide Victory
In this week's Tour Confidential, writers and editors from the publication delve into the importance of Anthony Kim's remarkable win at LIV Adelaide. This victory marks a significant moment in the golfing world, especially considering Kim's long absence from professional golf.
Kim came from five strokes back to challenge Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, ultimately securing his first victory since 2010. His return to the spotlight has sparked discussions about how this win ranks among some of the biggest in recent years. Is it as impressive as Tiger Woods' 2019 Masters win? Or does Rory McIlroy still hold that title?
Perspectives from the Writers
Josh Berhow, managing editor, believes the win is more shocking than anything else. While he doesn't consider it bigger than Rory's grand slam-clinching win, he acknowledges the difficulty of competing against top players after such a long absence.
Josh Sens, senior writer, sees the win as an individual achievement that rivals those of Woods and McIlroy. He highlights the personal struggle Kim faced, having been away from the game for over a decade.
James Colgan, news and features editor, is more skeptical. He argues that while the win is impressive, it doesn't rank among the top 10 victories since Tiger's Masters win.
Why This Victory Matters
For many fans, Kim's victory is significant because he was once a prominent figure on the PGA Tour. His mysterious absence added to his legend, making his return all the more compelling.
Sens describes Kim as a "yeti" in the golfing world, a near-mythic figure. Beyond the lore, the fact that Kim overcame such a long hiatus is a testament to his resilience.
Colgan, a fan who grew up watching Kim, emphasizes the rarity of someone with such talent falling so low and then rising again. This makes his story particularly fascinating.
What's Next for Anthony Kim?
Berhow believes it's too early to say if Kim will be a consistent contender. However, his performance in LIV Promotions suggests improvement.
Sens notes that the most predictable aspect of professional golf is Scottie Scheffler's dominance. Kim's story, however, offers a unique on-course narrative.
Colgan hopes for more wins, suggesting that multiple victories would be even more impressive.
Collin Morikawa's Pebble Beach Win
Collin Morikawa's victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am marked his first win in 2 1/2 years. Berhow notes that while Morikawa's performance seemed to come out of nowhere, his overall results in 2025 suggest he wasn't lost.
Sens points out that Morikawa looked like his old self during the week but had some inconsistencies with his chipping. Despite this, he remains a strong candidate for a bounce-back in 2026.
Colgan was impressed by Morikawa's ability to play well despite putter issues, highlighting the importance of confidence in his game.
Who Was More Disappointed at Pebble Beach?
Berhow believes Akshay Bhatia was more disappointed, as he led by five after 45 holes only to finish tied for sixth. Sens agrees, noting that Bhatia had a great opportunity that slipped away.
Colgan, however, thinks Scottie Scheffler was the happiest, as his game remained strong, though his scoring fell short.
The Best Back-to-Back Events
The Tour moves from Pebble Beach to Riviera in Los Angeles. Berhow considers this the best back-to-back combo, though he also praises the Augusta National-to-Harbour Town stretch.
Sens highlights the uniqueness of Pebble to Riviera, as they are the only two consecutive World Top 100 courses. Colgan agrees, calling Pebble an appetizer and Riviera a main course.
Geoff Ogilvy on the PGA Tour Schedule
Eight-time PGA Tour winner Geoff Ogilvy discusses the ongoing issues with the PGA Tour schedule. His insights provide a critical perspective on the challenges facing the sport.
