Tom Kim secured an exemption from completing full mandatory military service in South Korea after he clinched gold in the Men's Individual Strokeplay event at the Asian Games. The 24-year-old took a one-shot lead heading into the final round, but carded a sensational six-under 64 to secure gold and finish three shots clear of Japan's Higa Kazuki, China's Wenyi Ding and Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand.
Kim top-scored for the International Team at last week's Presidents Cup against Team USA before making an immediate trip to Japan, where he was among three South Korean male golfers to feature at Kasugai Country Club. South Korean men must enlist in the military by the age of 28, serving for 18-21 months, but an Asian Games gold medal or Olympic medal provides an exemption from full military service.
The four-time PGA Tour winner, who won the Genesis Scottish Open in July, needed to win either the individual or team event to secure that exemption and, effectively, avoid having to pause his golfing career. A gold medal means Kim will now be able to undergo basic military training, which lasts less than a month, similar to former Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son, who completed a three-week basic military training camp in 2020 after he led South Korea to gold at the Asian Games in 2018.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing