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South Korean Golfers Face Military Service, Affecting Tours

3/18/2026

36 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

S.H. Kim faces mandatory military service in South Korea, complicating Masters participation.
Despite finishing eighth on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour points list, he must return home after the Valero Texas Open (April 2–5, 2025).
The PGA Tour plans for him to compete in Korea while preparing for the Asian Games, where gold medalists are exempt.
Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim are also affected by these conscription rules.

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Story summary

S.H. Kim faces mandatory military service in South Korea, complicating Masters participation.
Despite finishing eighth on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour points list, he must return home after the Valero Texas Open (April 2–5, 2025).
The PGA Tour plans for him to compete in Korea while preparing for the Asian Games, where gold medalists are exempt.
Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim are also affected by these conscription rules.