Tom Kim’s victory at the Asian Games has lifted a significant burden off his shoulders, as he secured military service exemption with a stellar 3-foot putt on the 18th green. This win not only saves him from 18 to 21 months of lost playing time but also preserves millions in potential earnings during his prime.
The 24-year-old South Korean finished the event with a remarkable final-round 6-under 64, totaling 18 under for the tournament, placing him three shots ahead of the competition. Expressing relief, Kim stated, “I’m just glad it’s over,” highlighting the weight he felt leading up to his victory.
Before his final round, he received an encouraging text from Tiger Woods, which he found uplifting. In contrast, his teammate S.H. Kim missed out on a similar exemption as South Korea finished behind China for the team gold.
Having just competed at the Presidents Cup, Tom Kim leaves Japan with a newfound sense of security for his future in golf.
