The Tom Kim Asian Games victory came Saturday at Kasugai Country Club in Japan, where he won the men’s golf gold at 18-under par, three strokes ahead of the field. The victory earns the 24-year-old South Korean an exemption from his country’s mandatory military service, CBS Sports reported.
Tom Kim Asian Games gold: how he sealed it
Kim shot a final-round 64, or 6-under, with a front-nine 31. He added birdies on the 11th hole and the par-5 13th to build a four-stroke lead with four holes left. He dropped only one shot over the final four holes, CBS Sports reported.
Kim traveled to Japan directly from the Presidents Cup at Medinah in Illinois. He was set to leave after Sunday singles to reach the Asian Games, GolfMagic reported.
Why the exemption matters for Kim
Most able-bodied men in South Korea must serve about 18 months in the military. Athletes can earn an exemption with an Asian Games gold medal or an Olympic medal. The victory cuts Kim’s obligation to four weeks of basic training, according to CBS Sports.
The Tom Kim Asian Games result matters because he came close to an exemption at the 2024 Paris Olympics but finished eighth, missing the medal cutoff. For more golf coverage, see our golf section.
South Korea falls short in the team event
South Korea finished second in the team competition. China won gold with final-round scores of 64 and 66, two strokes ahead. The format used 72 holes of stroke play with three-player teams, and the two best scores counted each day.
Teammate S.H. Kim did not earn an exemption because he did not win individual gold and South Korea missed team gold. Mun Do-yeob contributed a 70 in the final round and already completed his military service.
What is next for Tom Kim
The military question is now settled for Kim, who plays on the PGA Tour. Elsewhere in golf, Jim Furyk was named the 2027 Ryder Cup captain.
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