Instead of 18 -21 months, Korean Tom Kim will now only do basic training, which lasts less than a month
Tom Kim, the Genesis Scottish Open champion, claimed the gold medal in the Asian Games to significantly reduce the time he is required to spend in South Korea’s military.
The 24-year-old, who beat one of the strongest fields in golf this year at The Renaissance Club in July, was celebrating again after landing his latest victory in Japan.
Kim, who rushed away at the end of the Presidents Cup in Chicago last Sunday to make the event at Kasugai Country Club in Nagoya, closed with a six-under-par 64 to finish three shots clear of the field.
Able-bodied South Korean males are usually required to undertake between 18 and 21 months of military service before the age of 28.
However, the government rewards Asian Games gold medals and Olympic medals of any colour with a service exemption bar basic training, which lasts less than a month.
“I’m more proud that I’m able to bring a medal for my country,” said Kim. “I tried not to think about it. I just tried to play (the) best for my county. 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.”
Kim, a four-time PGA Tour winner, previously came close to securing an exemption at the Paris Olympics in 2024, finishing the first round in a tie for third before ultimately finishing eighth behind Scottie Scheffler.