An inspirational tale by the six-time PGA Tour champ. What else can we call the victory that Chris Kirk managed to clinch at the 2024 Sentry that took place a while back? However, it seems the golfer’s success story was not all rainbows and sunshine, as he had once fought a hard battle against his alcohol addiction.

But even so, when asked about the same during the interview that followed his win, the athlete did not shy away from the story that stuck to his back. Besides, the champ even went ahead to embrace his past and sobriety, all the while dubbing the latter “the best thing” he’s ever done!

Chris Kirk becomes candid about his past

In a press conference that followed his victory, the pro was asked whether he was okay with being referred to as the one who overcame addiction. Replying to the query, he mentioned how being “sober” was “definitely the best thing that I’ve(sic) ever done in my life.” Moreover, the 38-year-old even confessed how he hopes “it stays with” him “forever” while alluding to his past.

Adding on, the champ revealed how his “PGA TOUR career would have been over” if it were not for him turning sober a while back. Consequently, he expressed his understanding of the past being a part and parcel of his life going forward as well. But even so, the golfer felt it was important; nevertheless, as he said, “I don’t feel like it’s taking away from anything that I’m accomplishing. It’s a hundred percent the reason why I’m able to do what I do.”

Truly a rousing tale by the 2024 Sentry winner, who propelled himself to the top of the leaderboard with a 29-under 263, a stroke more than Sahith Theegala. who finished T2. Moreover, he was also able to take home a winner’s cut of $3.6 million along with 700 FedEx Cup points, which took him to the top of the season-long leaderboard owing to the event being the first one on the tour’s schedule.

The Atlanta native has had it rough when it comes to the trials and tribulations that came his way, especially during the alone times away from his family. Nevertheless, he was able to rise from the ashes and inspired many along the way to never give up.

Kirk’s battle with alcoholism and depression

After winning his 4th PGA Tour victory at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonia in 2015, expectations got to the golfer. The weight, coupled with loneliness on the road, pushed him towards alcohol, and, eventually, depression. However, in May 2019, with his family’s support, Kirk managed to take the first step, acknowledging the problem and taking a break from the sport.

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The 38-year-old enrolled in a 12-step program after seeking medical help. Well, half a year later, he emerged as a new man, rising from the personal setback that plagued him and his family for a long time. Moving on, his first win after the return came at the 2023 Honda Classic, earning him the PGA Tour Courage Award for showing immense dedication and courage in the sport and his personal life. Give yourself a pat on the back, Chris Kirk. You deserve it!

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