TOM KIM WINS ASIAN GAMES GOLD, SECURES MILITARY EXEMPTION

Tom Kim won gold at the Asian Games golf event, securing an exemption from mandatory military service in South Korea. He shot a final-round six-under-par 64 at Kasugai Country Club in Japan to finish 18 under and win by three strokes. Kim arrived in Japan directly from the Presidents Cup in the United States, having had around six hours of sleep and dealing with a 14-hour time difference. He had a bogey on the 17th hole but had already built a lead through five birdies and an eagle, and parred the final hole to secure victory. In a statement, Kim said he was "more proud" to bring a medal for his country and had tried not to think about the exemption while playing. South Korean men are, in most circumstances, required to undertake between 18 and 21 months of military service before the age of 28.

The South Korean government grants a service exemption, bar basic training of under a month, to Asian Games champions and Olympic medal winners of any colour. Kim, 24 and ranked world number 32, had previously come close to securing an exemption at the Paris Olympics in 2024, finishing the first day in medal position before ultimately placing eighth. His compatriot SH Kim did not secure an exemption through this event, as South Korea won only silver in the team competition alongside Tom Kim and Mun Do-yeob, who has already completed his service. Other South Korean athletes have previously secured the same exemption, including former Tottenham Hotspur footballer Son Heung-min, who served three weeks of basic training in 2020 after winning Asian Games gold two years earlier.

Kim has won four PGA Tour titles, including the Scottish Open in July. With the exemption secured, reports note he can continue his career with minimal disruption. At the Presidents Cup immediately before the Asian Games, Kim had led the International side with four points from five matches, including a 3&2 singles win over Wyndham Clark.