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‘It’s a crazy feeling’: Tom Kim avoids career-altering military service with gold at Asian Games

Tom Kim fired a 64 to earn the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games. The win gave Kim an exemption to South Korea's mandatory military service.

By Josh Sens · Golf

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 11:09 AM

Key Things to Know

Tom Kim won the individual golf gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, earning a military service exemption.
Kim shot a final-round 64 to finish at 18 under par, claiming a three-shot victory.
South Korea won silver in the team event, missing out on the gold medal won by China.

The Story in 60 Seconds

South Korean golfer Tom Kim won the individual gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, securing an exemption from mandatory military service. Kim shot a final-round six-under 64 at Kasugai Country Club's East Course in Japan to finish at 18 under par, earning a three-shot victory over Japan's Higa Kazuki, China's Ding Wenyi, and Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana.

The 24-year-old's victory exempts him from the 18 to 21 months of compulsory military service required for able-bodied South Korean men. However, South Korea took silver in the team event behind China after S.H. Kim shot a final-round 73, leaving his compatriot without a military exemption.

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‘It’s a crazy feeling’: Tom Kim avoids career-altering military service with gold at Asian Games

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