Anthony Kim’s stunning victory at LIV Golf Adelaide was all the more remarkable because it was Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau who held a five-shot lead heading into the final round at The Grange.
In truth, many of us expected Anthony Kim to be the third wheel in the last group on Sunday. LIV Golf seemingly had the perfect storyline, with Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau duelling it out for the title.
Who is the biggest winner if Tiger Woods never existed?
DeChambeau fell away quickly, making bogey on four of his first seven holes. The Spaniard, meanwhile, had to wait until the 16th hole for his second birdie of the final round.
That left the path clear for Kim to produce one of the best rounds of his entire career to secure his first professional win in nearly 16 years.
It was obviously one of the most incredible victories the game has seen in a long time. But Rahm may be somewhat relieved that it was Kim who snatched the win away from him.
Anthony Kim’s win at LIV Golf Adelaide will take some of the heat off of Jon Rahm
Clearly, labelling it a feel-good win would be an understatement. Rahm looked extremely pleased for the 40-year-old.
All of the focus over the coming weeks will be on Kim and what he could potentially go on to achieve. And that will be a plus for Rahm as he seems to be developing an issue.
Much was made of Rahm failing to win on LIV in 2025. His consistency ensured that he still won the individual title for the season. But it was not the best look for LIV or Rahm.
He lost two playoffs towards the end of the season. In fact, his playoff record on all tours since signing with LIV in December 2023 is 0-4.
Kim outscored Rahm by eight shots on Sunday. Rahm had made at least five birdies in each of the first three rounds, while he managed to make just two over the final 18 holes.
And when you consider how he managed to move himself into a tie for the lead early on in his back nine on Sunday at last year’s PGA Championship, it does appear that Rahm’s inability to close out tournaments is going under the radar right now.
Rahm’s inability to close out tournaments is becoming a real problem
Admittedly, there have been mitigating factors. Rahm was desperately unlucky to lose his playoff with Sebastian Munoz at Indianapolis last year, with the two-time major champion’s approach proving to be too accurate and smacking into the pin.
He also stepped up at the Ryder Cup, and led his Legion XIII side to Team Championship glory.
But while the eyes of the golfing world are on Anthony Kim and speculating about what he could go on to achieve, Rahm should be asking some tough questions of himself.
His winless run has already gone on far too long, particularly when you realise just how often he has put himself in the perfect spot.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
