Tom Kim claims Asian Games gold and a military exemption

The 24‑year‑old South Korean stroke‑maker won the men’s individual event at the Asian Games in Nagoya with a final‑round 64, finishing 18‑under‑par and three strokes ahead of Japan’s K Higa.

His victory means he will skip the 18‑ to 21‑month compulsory service that most Korean men face before age 28, instead only completing a week of basic training.

The Korean government awards a short exemption bar to Asian‑Games champions and Olympic medalists, allowing them to avoid the bulk of military service.

Kim, who has already captured four PGA Tour trophies and last year’s Scottish Open, can now continue his ascent without the interruption that a 21‑month enlistment would bring.

He had a near miss for a similar exemption at the 2024 Olympics, finishing eighth overall, but the Asian Games medal finally lifted the burden.