Tom Kim Takes 54-Hole Lead at Asian Games, Eyes Service Exemption
By Staff Writer
2 min read
Tom Kim shot a 7-under 65 in the third round of the Asian Games men's golf competition at Kasugai Country Club in Japan, taking a one-stroke lead into Saturday's final round. A gold medal would exempt the 24-year-old from South Korea's mandatory military service.
How did Tom Kim take the lead?
Kim opened the week with rounds of 67 and 66 before Friday's 65, which included five birdies and an eagle. The round put him at 12 under for the tournament, one shot ahead of Taiwan's Wang Wei-hsuan and Japan's Kazuki Higa, who are tied for second. Kim flew to Japan directly after the Presidents Cup in Chicago, crossing a 14-hour time difference.
| Player | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Kim | South Korea | -12 (67-66-65) |
| Wang Wei-hsuan | Taiwan | -11 |
| Kazuki Higa | Japan | -11 |
Why does a medal matter for Tom Kim's career?
South Korea requires most able-bodied men to serve roughly 18 to 21 months, regardless of profession, but grants exemptions to athletes who win gold at the Asian Games or any medal at the Olympics. Kim finished tied for eighth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, missing the medal that would have come with an exemption.
A gold medal in Japan is worth more to Tom Kim right now than any tournament trophy: two years of his career.
What's at stake for his teammates?
Kim is competing alongside fellow South Koreans S.H. Kim, who plays on the Korn Ferry Tour, and Mun Do-yeob, who has already completed his military service. The South Korean team holds a one-shot lead entering the final round, meaning a team gold would also exempt S.H. Kim. "I am 100% nervous, for sure," S.H. Kim told BBC Sport.
Key takeaways
- Tom Kim shot a 65 in Round 3 to take a one-shot lead at 12 under at the Asian Games in Japan.
- A gold medal would exempt the 24-year-old from South Korea's mandatory military service.
- Taiwan's Wang Wei-hsuan and Japan's Kazuki Higa are tied for second, one shot back.
- Teammate S.H. Kim could also earn an exemption if South Korea's team wins gold; the team leads by one shot.
- Kim finished T8 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, missing the medal exemption there.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Asian Games military exemption rule?
South Korea exempts athletes from mandatory military service if they win a gold medal at the Asian Games or any medal at the Olympics, competitions held every four years.
Has a South Korean golfer missed this exemption before?
Yes. Sangmoon Bae won twice on the PGA Tour in 2013 and 2014, then began mandatory service after the 2015 Presidents Cup. He returned in 2017 but finished 202nd in the FedEx Cup that season.
Who is leading the Asian Games men's golf competition?
Tom Kim leads at 12 under after three rounds, one shot ahead of Taiwan's Wang Wei-hsuan and Japan's Kazuki Higa.
When is the final round of the Asian Games golf event?
The final round is scheduled for Saturday at Kasugai Country Club in Japan.
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- asian games
- military exemption
- south korea golf
- s.h. kim
- presidents cup
- sangmoon bae
