The win at Adelaide carried more than just a trophy for Anthony Kim.

It marked his first victory in 16 years, after a 12-year hiatus. And as he hugged Emily Kim and their daughter, Bella, after the win, he told her something. 

Revealing about that talk at Adelaide, Kim said, “I told my wife this: The only way I get to reach the amount of people I want to reach is by winning. I can talk about my struggles all I want, but if I don't have the platform, then I won't reach as many people.”

Becoming an inspiration and reaching people was his goal during his rehabilitation. He wanted to help people. But without golf giving him the platform he needed, it was nigh on impossible.

“So to be able to have this platform, to have HE and LIV welcome me with open arms has been tremendous in my growth and my self-belief that other people believe in me,” Kim confessed. 

Of course, he succeeded in inspiring a huge crowd. The number of people cheering for him at the Grange Golf Club was phenomenal. And countless others backed him up on his win, amongst whom Jon Rahm was one. 

Jon Rahm Got Emotional Seeing Anthony Kim Winning

Despite coming second and losing to Kim, Rahm showed pride and joy for the victor. 

He said, “In a weird way, as a competitor, I probably shouldn’t say this, but that was a joy to watch. To see that image on 18 of him hugging his wife and daughter, any man with a soul is going to have a soft spot for that. I was almost tearing up.”

For Anthony Kim, his family was the key to his victory over his previous turbulence with addiction. It was his wife who asked him to teach her golf, and in due time, Kim found his way back onto the course.

On top of that, the birth of his daughter turned his life around for the better, as he steeled his will to become a good example for little Bella. 

Now, we can expect Kim to rack up a few more wins in the near future and maintain his form. And as and when that happens, we will bring it to you in Club Golf.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Joyita Das