Tom Kim Fires Final-Round 64 to Win Asian Games Golf Gold and Secure Military Exemption

Tom Kim fired a closing six-under-par 64 at Kasugai Country Club on Saturday to win the men’s individual golf gold at the Asian Games — and with it, the exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service awarded to Games champions.

The four-time PGA Tour winner, still carrying jet lag after flying straight in from the Presidents Cup in Chicago, finished on 18-under 262, three shots clear of home favourite Kazuki Higa of Japan, China’s Ding Wenyi and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, according to Reuters.

South Korea grants exemptions from its roughly 18-month compulsory service to athletes who win Asian Games gold. Able-bodied South Korean men are usually required to serve, and two compatriots from the tour — Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim — secured their own exemptions with team gold in 2023.

“This day was the longest day I think I’ve ever had in my life,” a relieved Kim said afterwards. “It’s only been six, five hours but it is definitely the longest, and I’m just glad it’s done.” He also told Golfweek he woke to a good-luck text from Tiger Woods: “Just be you. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Kim added silver in the team event behind China, while India’s Pranavi Urs won the women’s individual title — the country’s first — holding off China’s Yin Ruoning by a stroke.

Sources:

• Reuters: South Korean golfer Kim wins Asian Games gold and military exemption — https://www.reuters.com/sports/golf/south-korean-golfer-kim-wins-asian-games-gold-military-exemption-2026-10-03/
• Golfweek: Tom Kim wins Asian Games gold to avoid military duty — https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2026/10/03/tom-kim-wins-asian-games-gold-to-avoid-military-duty/92075039007/
• NBC Sports: South Korean golfer Tom Kim receives military exemption with gold medal at Asian Games — https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/south-korean-golfer-tom-kim-receives-military-exemption-with-gold-medal-at-asian-games