Story perspectives

Tom Kim Wins Asian Games Golf Gold, Gets Exemption

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 10:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Tom Kim won the Asian Games individual gold and earned a military-service exemption.
He shot a final-round 6-under 64 to finish at 18-under 262.
He finished three strokes ahead of Kazuki Higa, Ding Wenyi and Sadom Kaewkanjana.
He arrived after a rapid flight from the Presidents Cup and only six hours sleep.
South Korea’s team earned silver, leaving S.H. Kim without exemption and requiring full service.

History

Historical Context

Park Chung-hee’s 1973 decree that male athletes who win Asian Games gold may skip active-duty service has shaped South Korean sport. After the football team defended its 2014 title with a 2018 Asian Games gold in Jakarta-Palembang, the defense ministry exempted 20 players, including Kim Min-jae. The rule again applied when golfer Tom Kim secured a 2023 Asian Games gold.

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Story summary

Tom Kim won the Asian Games individual gold and earned a military-service exemption.
He shot a final-round 6-under 64 to finish at 18-under 262.
He finished three strokes ahead of Kazuki Higa, Ding Wenyi and Sadom Kaewkanjana.
He arrived after a rapid flight from the Presidents Cup and only six hours sleep.
South Korea’s team earned silver, leaving S.H. Kim without exemption and requiring full service.

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