Winning the 2026 Asian Games provided Tom Kim with far more than just a gold medal. By securing first place, the 24-year-old golfer successfully avoided the compulsory military service required in South Korea. Delivering an impressive 64 in his final round, Kim finished the tournament at 18 under par, securing a three-shot victory over a trio of competitors.
South Korean law mandates that almost all healthy male citizens complete 18 months of military service. However, sports figures can secure an exemption by taking home a gold medal at the Asian Games or securing any medal at the Olympic Games. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kim nearly achieved this exemption but ended up finishing in eighth place at Le Golf National.
As a result of his victory, Kim’s service obligation is reduced to just four weeks of basic training.
“I attempted to keep my mind off it,” Kim remarked. “My goal was simply to perform at my absolute best for my nation. This is a massive milestone for me. The intense pressure I experienced this week is something I believe I can use to my advantage in future seasons.”
Going into the final round, Kim led the field in both the individual and team categories. He initiated the individual phase of the day with outstanding momentum. The right-handed player recorded a 4-under 31 on the front nine, followed by a birdie on the 11th hole and an eagle on the par-5 13th at Kasugai Country Club’s East Course.
Holding a comfortable four-shot advantage with only four holes remaining, Kim surrendered just one stroke on his way back to the clubhouse, securing a 6-under scorecard for the final day.
Unfortunately, the South Korean squad was unable to maintain their lead in the team event like Kim did individually. Despite Kim’s stellar 64, teammate Doyeob Mun carded a 70, leaving South Korea in the runner-up spot behind China, who surged ahead by two shots on the final day thanks to rounds of 64 and 66. While the 35-year-old Mun has already completed his mandatory service, the team’s third competitor, S.H. Kim, has not been so lucky.
Following his appearance at the Presidents Cup, Kim traveled to the Asian Games and became the latest of several International team colleagues to secure an exemption via this route. During the 2022 Asian Games, which took place in 2023, Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim similarly bypassed their military obligations by claiming gold in the team event.
