Tom Kim wins gold medal at Asian Games to earn exemption from mandatory military service

Tom Kim's victory at the 2026 Asian Games came with more than a gold medal. By claiming the top spot, the 24-year-old also earned an exemption from mandatory military service in his home country of South Korea. Kim fired a final-round 64 to sign for a tournament total of 18 under, good for a three-stroke triumph over three other golfers.

In South Korea, most able-bodied men are required to serve 18 months in the military. Athletes are granted an exemption if they win a gold medal at the Asian Games or a medal of any color at the Olympics. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kim came close to earning an exemption but ultimately settled for an eighth-place finish at Le Golf National.

Kim is now required to complete only four weeks of basic training.

"I tried not to think about it," Kim said. "I just tried to play the best for my country. It's a big stepping stone. I think the pressure that I felt this week, I'll be able to implement it in my upcoming seasons."

Tom Kim wins the Asian Games Gold Medal in golf 🥇MILITARY EXEMPTION 🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/HkaWIWqlpn

In both the individual and team competition, Kim saw…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/