Tom Kim Earns Gold and Military Exemption With Victory at Asian Games

Some might suggest the most significant result of Tom Kim winning the men’s singles golf competition at the Asian Games in Japan on Saturday is that it makes him exempt from military service. But for Mr. Kim, the ultimate prize is earning a gold medal for South Korea, something he desperately wanted to achieve after falling short at the Paris Olympics.“It’s unbelievable,” said the 24-year-old native of Seoul. “I had one goal, to represent Korea and to win the gold medal. It’s something I won’t forget in my career.”A four-time PGA Tour winner, Mr. Kim capped off a busy two weeks of high-pressure golf by shooting a 6-under 64 in Saturday’s final round for a four-day total of 18-under 262, three shots ahead of his nearest competitor.Most healthy men in South Korea must serve between 18 and 24 months in uniform before the age of 28, but a medal of any color at the Olympics, or gold at the Asian Games, provides an exemption. When Mr. Kim and S.H. Kim failed to win the team competition for South Korea, Tom Kim needed to win men’s singles to earn the gold.“I just tried to play best for my country,” he said. “Selfishly, I tried not to think about myself. I just wanted to win a medal for my country.”His victory was a test not only of skill but of physical and mental endurance. He was part of the International team that took on the United States at the President’s Cup at Medinah Country Club outside of Chicago the week prior to the Asian Games.Though the Americans staged an unprecedented rally in singles to win the event, Mr. Kim won four of his five matches for the Internationals, including his singles match the final Sunday against Wyndham Clark, 3 & 2.He immediately boarded a plane for the long flight to Japan to represent South Korea at the Asian Games. Held once every four years, the 20th Asian Games features athletes from 45 nations in 43 sports.With more than 11,000 athletes competing, the gathering is larger than the 2024 Paris Olympics that hosted about 10,700 athletes. Japan has the largest delegation with 933 athletes. China has just over 800. The competition concludes on Sunday.After enduring the mental and physical challenges of competing in the Presidents Cup, Mr. Kim dominated the 72-hole four-day format played at 7,035-yard Kasugai Country Club. On the final two days, he earned eagles on the par-5 13th, a 520-yard hole.Mr. Kim reportedly received a text message from Tiger Woods before his final round, telling him, “Just be you. Nothing more, nothing less.”The victory erased the sour taste that lingered from the Paris Olympics, where Mr. Kim began the final round four shots out of the lead. His 68 left him four shots short of earning a bronze medal.The military exemption allows Mr. Kim to continue his professional golf career without interruption. The exemption in South Korea also applies to classical and traditional musicians, dancers and other artists who are viewed as enhancing national pride. “It’s a big stepping stone,” he said. “I think the pressure that I felt this week, I’ll be able to implement it in my upcoming seasons.”

Tom Kim Earns Gold and Military Exemption With Victory at Asian Games

Tom Kim Earns Gold and Military Exemption With Victory at Asian Games

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