Tom Kim Earns Military Exemption with Asian Games Gold; Smotherman Claims First PGA Tour Win
South Korean golfer Tom Kim secured a vital military exemption by winning gold at the Asian Games, while American Austin Smotherman achieved his maiden PGA Tour victory.
Tom Kim, a four-time PGA Tour winner, faced immense pressure at the Asian Games in Japan, where the stakes were serving over a year of military service in South Korea or earning an exemption. Kim successfully navigated these high-stakes circumstances, clinching the gold medal.
Under South Korean law, most able-bodied men are required to complete 18 to 21 months of military service. Athletes and classical artists can receive exemptions by excelling in international competitions, such as earning a medal at the Olympics or a gold medal at the Asian Games. Kim, who was born in Seoul, had the option of pursuing an exemption in the 2028 Olympics, but the Asian Games presented an immediate opportunity.
Kim entered the Asian Games in strong form, having been the leading points scorer for his International team at the Presidents Cup. He secured a one-shot lead heading into the final round in Japan. Prior to this pivotal round, Kim received a message from Tiger Woods, reportedly saying, "Just be you. Nothing more, nothing less." Kim went on to card a final-round 64, including four birdies and an eagle, to secure a three-shot victory and the gold medal, thereby earning his military exemption.
This exemption is a significant accomplishment for Kim in 2026, a year that also saw him win the Scottish Open and climb over 70 spots in the world rankings. His military exemption achievement may have been bolstered by a text message from Tiger Woods before his final round.
Elsewhere on the PGA Tour, Austin Smotherman achieved a career-defining moment at the Bank of Utah Championship. The tournament marked Smotherman's 100th career start on the PGA Tour. After a decade as a professional golfer, including time on mini-tours and the Korn Ferry Tour, Smotherman secured his first victory.
Smotherman began the final round with a one-shot lead and ultimately won by two shots. He described the victory as a dream come true, stating, "It's something we've dreamed about since I was a kid, and here we are." Despite a double bogey on the 13th hole during the final round, Smotherman responded with a strong tee shot on the 14th to set up a birdie and maintained his lead through the closing holes. The win earned him a spot in the first two signature events of the 2027 PGA Tour season and a prize of $1.08 million.
Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka showed signs of regaining form at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the DP World Tour. After a season that saw him miss the FedEx Cup Playoffs, Koepka took a hiatus before competing in Europe. While his initial DP World Tour starts were modest, a T-6 finish at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, with rounds played at Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, and the Old Course at St. Andrews, suggests a potential turning point. This performance, achieved under challenging conditions, could be a positive indicator for his upcoming 2027 season.
