Tom Kim has clinched gold at the 2026 Asian Games, securing an exemption from mandatory military service in South Korea. The 24-year-old golfer, who led going into the final round, delivered an impressive six-under-par 64 to finish at 18 under, winning by three strokes.
Final Round Highlights
- Tom Kim: -18 T Kim (Kor)
- K Higa (Jpn): -15
- W Ding (Chi), S Kaewkanjana (Tha): -15
- W-H Wang (Tpe): -11
Despite showing signs of nerves with a bogey on the 17th hole, Kim's earlier performance, which included five birdies and an eagle, provided him with a comfortable margin. He tapped in for par on the last hole, letting out a roar of relief as he secured the victory.
Military Service Exemption
In South Korea, able-bodied males are typically required to complete between 18 and 21 months of military service before turning 28. However, the government offers exemptions to champions of the Asian Games and Olympic medalists, allowing them to skip mandatory service barring basic training, which lasts less than a month. Previous athletes who have benefited from this exemption include former Tottenham footballer Son Heung-min, who served only three weeks in 2020 after winning the Asian Games.
