Tom Kim Pursues Asian Games Gold to Avoid Military Service
PGA Tour star Tom Kim is one round away from potentially securing an exemption from South Korea's mandatory military service by winning gold at the Asian Games.
PGA Tour star Tom Kim is competing in the Asian Games in Japan with the potential to avert nearly two years of military service, a commitment that could significantly disrupt his burgeoning golf career. Kim is currently leading the individual golf tournament after three rounds, holding a one-shot advantage heading into the final day.
Victory in the individual event at the Asian Games, or a medal in the Olympic Games, would grant Kim an exemption from the 18-21 months of mandatory military service required of all South Korean men before the age of 28. Kim, 24, faces this service obligation if he does not secure an exemption.
Kim raced to Japan immediately after the Presidents Cup concluded last Sunday, where he represented the International team. Despite a 14-hour time difference, he has demonstrated strong form, reaching 12-under par through the first three rounds. He leads Taiwan's Wang Wei-hsuan and Japan's Kazuki Higa by a single stroke.
Beyond the individual competition, the South Korean team also holds a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the team event, offering another avenue for Kim to achieve his goal. At the previous Asian Games in 2023, Sungjae Im and Si-Woo Kim successfully secured military exemptions through their performances in the team event.
Kim has become a popular figure on the PGA Tour in recent years, achieving four victories and reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 11 in 2023. He was one of only two International players to win their singles matches during the final day of the Presidents Cup.
Previous South Korean golf stars, such as K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang, completed their military service before turning professional. Another golfer, Sang Moon Bae, is currently serving his military term after a legal challenge to defer his service to continue his PGA Tour career was unsuccessful.
Kim expressed the significance of his current situation, stating, "It means a lot. I was second off, and I really felt like it was a calling or a responsibility to show up and try to put a point up early for the team." Regarding his participation in the Asian Games, he added, "As much as I can. I will be around my teammates, I'll be rooting them on, and I'll be here for a bit."