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Tom Kim’s Asian Games mission is complete. The South Korean golfer won gold in the men’s singles and secured a huge reward in the process.
Despite having four PGA Tour wins to his name, no victory has come with a prize that will mean as much to the 24-year-old.
With victory in Japan on Saturday, Kim has secured an exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service.
He shot a 6-under 64 in Saturday’s final round for a four-day total of 18-under.
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Meanwhile, three golfers were three shots back and faced a playoff, with Kazuki Higa of Japan taking silver and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana earning bronze.
For Kim, victory put an end to one of the biggest off-course issues which has hung over his career.
Most able-bodied men in South Korea must serve for around 18 months in the military, but an Olympic medal or Asian Games gold provides an exception.
Asked about the exemption after victory, Kim insisted he was equally proud to have won gold for his country.
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“Despite that, I’m more proud that I’m able to bring a medal for my country,” he said.
“I tried not to think about it [military exemption]. “I just tried to play my best for my country. 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.”
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