Tom Kim secures military exemption with Asian Games golf gold

Golfer Tom Kim has secured an exemption from South Korea's mandatory military service after winning a gold medal at the Asian Games.

The 24-year-old athlete finished at 18 under par with a final round of 64, securing victory by three strokes. Kim had entered the final round with a lead and, despite a bogey on the 17th hole, his earlier performance provided enough of a buffer to claim the win. He tapped in for par on the final hole, expressing visible relief.

Able-bodied South Korean men are typically required to complete between 18 and 21 months of military service before the age of 28. However, the government offers exemptions to Asian Games champions and Olympic medalists. These exemptions typically require a brief period of basic training, lasting less than a month.

Other notable athletes who have received similar exemptions include footballer Son Heung-min, who completed a reduced service period in 2020 after winning the Asian Games with his country two years prior.

Kim had traveled from the Presidents Cup in the United States to compete in the event in Japan, adjusting to a significant time difference and managing on limited sleep. His victory allows him to continue his professional career, which includes four PGA Tour titles and a win at the Scottish Open in July, with minimal disruption.

Kim had previously narrowly missed out on an exemption at the Paris Olympics in 2024, finishing eighth. His compatriot, SH Kim, who is 28, did not secure an exemption as the South Korean team won silver in their event, rather than gold. Tom Kim and Mun Do-yeob were part of that silver-medal-winning team, though Do-yeob has already completed his service.