Tom Kim Secures Asian Games Gold and Military Exemption in Japan

Tom Kim finished with a four-day total of 18-under 262 to win the men's singles gold medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya.

Tom Kim secured the men's singles gold medal at the Asian Games on Saturday, finishing with a four-day total of 18-under 262. During the final round at the 7,035-yard Kasugai Country Club, Kim carded a 6-under 64 to finish three strokes ahead of the field. The victory earns the PGA Tour player an exemption from South Korea's mandatory 18-month military service.

Japan’s Kazuki Higa took the silver medal and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana earned bronze following a playoff between three golfers who finished three shots behind Kim. The winner recorded eagles on the 520-yard par-5 13th hole during both Friday and Saturday's rounds. Kim traveled to Japan for the 72-hole stroke play event immediately following the conclusion of the Presidents Cup.

While Kim won the individual title, South Korea finished with a silver medal in the team competition, falling to gold-medalist China. Because the team failed to win gold, S.H. Kim did not receive a military exemption after closing with a final-round 73. The third team member, 35-year-old Mun Do-yeob, shot a 70 but had already completed his military service.

Under South Korean law, athletes who win any Olympic medal or an Asian Games gold medal are exempt from conscription. This week, 16 South Korean baseball players and three esports competitors also secured exemptions through gold-medal performances. The military policy also extends to specific traditional and classical musicians and dancers.