Tom Kim to Exit Presidents Cup Early for Asian Games Bid

Tom Kim is expected to leave the Presidents Cup before its outcome is decided, departing Medinah Sunday afternoon to compete for South Korea at the Asian Games, where a gold medal would exempt him from mandatory military service.

Why is Tom Kim leaving before the Presidents Cup ends?

Kim, ranked No. 31 in the world, is scheduled to play American Wyndham Clark in the second singles match of 12 on Sunday at Medinah No. 3, where the International team has been chasing its first Presidents Cup win since 1998. The Associated Press first reported that Kim will depart for Japan late Sunday, citing two people close to the International team who spoke on condition of anonymity because Kim has not addressed the trip publicly. Kim, the winner of July's Genesis Scottish Open, was unavailable to reporters Saturday after losing his foursomes match.

What is at stake for Kim at the Asian Games?

The Asian Games begin Wednesday at Kasugai Country Club in Japan's Aichi Prefecture. Under South Korean law, able-bodied men must serve 18 to 21 months in the military once they turn 19, with postponements allowed but exemptions granted only for achievements such as an Olympic medal. A gold medal in either the individual or team golf competition at the Asian Games would excuse Kim from that obligation. He finished four shots outside a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

Two of Kim's International teammates, Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim, already hold exemptions after winning the Asian Games team gold by 25 strokes in 2023. Other Korean pros, including Seung-Yul Noh and Sang-Moon Bae, won on the PGA Tour before serving and have struggled to recover their form in the two years since.