Hello Golfers! Sarah Chen here, your Golf Instruction Editor for The Daily Duffer. I’ve been fortunate to spend over 15 years on the driving range and the course, guiding players from weekend warriors to tour professionals. One thing I’ve learned is that while talent plays a role, dedication and smart practice are truly what unlock a golfer’s potential, no matter their starting point. And watching a story like Anthony Kim’s recent comeback at LIV Golf Adelaide truly ignites that belief.
Anthony Kim’s victory after 16 years away, vaulting him from 847th to 203rd in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), is more than just a win; it’s a testament to perseverance and the power of focused improvement. It reminds us that setbacks are just setups for epic comebacks. His journey to qualify for the majors again, as highlighted in the article, is a perfect parallel for our own golf games: every challenge is an opportunity to refine our skills and elevate our play.
“Anthony Kim stunned the golf world this weekend with a monumental victory at the 2026 LIV Golf Adelaide event. It was seismic due to the fact that Kim had struggled greatly on the course since his comeback began two years ago. And because it was his first win in 16 years (not to mention he walloped Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau in the process).”
Just like AK is working to climb the OWGR and secure his major spots, we can all make significant strides in our own games by focusing on fundamental improvements. Let’s look at how you can apply some of that comeback spirit to your own golf game. Think of it as your own personal “major championship” qualification path!
Building Your Comeback: Focus on the Fundamentals
Anthony Kim’s success, even after a long hiatus, is rooted in rediscovered fundamentals. For high-level amateurs and professionals, it’s often the subtle breakdowns in these core areas that lead to consistency issues. When I work with my students, we always revisit these pillars.
1. Mastering Your Ball Striking Consistency
Ball striking is the heartbeat of a good round. When we talk about consistent ball striking, we’re really focusing on impact. Are you delivering the club to the ball in the same way, at the same spot, swing after swing? For many, the answer is no, and often the culprit lies in a lack of proper body rotation or an over-reliance on arm swing.
Too often, I see golfers trying to “hit” the ball with their arms, leading to inconsistent contact and loss of power. The power and consistency come from your body rotation, allowing your arms to follow. This is what helps you not only hit it solid but also control the trajectory and direction.
“Thanks to a key rule change enacted this year, Kim has a realistic chance of making it happen. Ahead of the 2026 LIV season, the OWGR officially recognized LIV Golf for the first time. Now, the top-10 finishers in LIV events earn world ranking points.”
This “rule change” for AK in the OWGR is like a key improvement in your swing mechanics – suddenly, your consistent strikes start earning you real results on the scorecard!
Drill: The Towel Under the Armpits
Here’s a fantastic drill to encourage better body rotation and connection. Take a small hand towel, fold it in half, and place it under both armpits, allowing it to hang down. Now, take some half swings, focusing on keeping those towels in place. If they drop, you know your arms have disconnected from your body on the backswing or through-swing. This forces your body to rotate, keeping your arms “connected” to your core, leading to more synchronized and powerful ball striking.
2. Short Game Precision: Your Scoring Zone
While the long game gets the glory, the short game wins tournaments. Anthony Kim’s ability to compete with Rahm and DeChambeau means his short game, often the first thing to falter after a break, has to be sharp. Your wedges and putter are your direct path to shaving strokes. Being able to get up and down from tough lies or sink those crucial 5-10 foot putts can save your round when your long game isn’t perfect.
Drill: The “3-5-7” Chipping Challenge
Find a practice green and place three targets at 3, 5, and 7 paces from where you’ll chip. Hit 5 chips to each target, focusing on landing the ball softly and letting it roll out. The goal isn’t just to get it on the green, but to imagine a small circle around the hole. Practice different clubs (pitching wedge, 9-iron) to see how the roll changes. This develops touch and distance control, crucial for saving pars.
3. Mental Fortitude: Playing Under Pressure
The mental game is perhaps the most underrated aspect of golf. Anthony Kim’s comeback isn’t just physical; it’s a huge mental hurdle to overcome. To “vaulted from 847th to 203rd” in the OWGR takes incredible mental resilience. How you handle pressure, setbacks, and crucial moments often determines your score. This isn’t just for tour pros; it’s for every golfer who wants to improve.
“He still needs to make up 153 spots by April to earn tee times at the 2026 Masters. With only three LIV tournaments left before the Masters, Kim will likely need another win or two to make it to Augusta.”
Imagine the pressure! For us, it might be the last hole of a friendly match, or a critical putt to break a personal scoring barrier. Learning to stay focused and positive, especially after a mis-hit, is a game-changer.
Practice: The “Next Shot” Focus
During your next practice session, integrate a specific mental routine after every shot. Whether it’s good or bad, take a moment to “reset.” Walk to your next ball, take two deep breaths, and consciously visualize the next shot you want to hit, focusing only on that. No dwelling on the last one. This trains your brain to stay present and optimistic, just like a pro does under pressure.
Anthony Kim’s return to competitive golf and his astonishing victory is a powerful reminder that with dedication, a focus on fundamentals, and a strong mental game, significant improvements are always possible. So, get out there, practice smart, and who knows, maybe you’ll be staging your own epic comeback on your local course!
