Tom Kim Wins Asian Games Gold, Secures Military Exemption

Tom Kim won the individual golf gold medal at the Asian Games on Saturday, a victory that exempts the 24-year-old from South Korea's mandatory military service. Kim entered the final round one shot clear and closed with five birdies and an eagle to finish three shots ahead of the field.

How does an Asian Games medal exempt South Korean athletes?

Able-bodied South Korean men are generally required to complete 18 to 21 months of military service before turning 28. Exemptions are available to athletes who win gold at the Asian Games or any medal at the Olympics. The exemption does not cover a mandatory month of basic training, which Kim will still need to complete.

Kim opened the tournament with rounds of 67, 66 and 65 to take a one-shot lead into the final round, then pulled away for the three-shot win. The result caps a strong 2026 for Kim, who also won the Genesis Scottish Open and was recognized as the highest points scorer for the International team at the Presidents Cup last week.

Who else has used golf to avoid service?

Kim's Presidents Cup teammates Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im earned their own exemptions after South Korea won the team gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games. South Korea's team came up short of a repeat this year, with China taking the team title instead.