PGA Tour Golfer Exempt from Military Service After Winning Gold Medal at Asian Games

PGA Tour golfer Tom Kim has been exempt from mandatory military service in South Korea after winning gold at the Asian Games, according to the AP's Stephen Wade.

After heading into the final round with a one-shot lead, Kim shot a 6-under 64 Saturday to finish the tournament at 18-under par.

He will now earn an exemption given to South Korean able-bodied men in honor of accomplishments made while representing their country, including winning any Olympic medal or an Asian Games gold, according to Wade.

Kim had a shot at exemption from military service at the 2024 Paris Olympics but finished four shots outside of medal contention.

This year, he flew to Japan to compete in the Asian Games while the 2026 Presidents Cup was still wrapping up last week in Illinois.

Kim won three of his four Presidents Cup matches before leaving Sunday before the United States clinched a comeback victory over the international team.

Fellow PGA Tour golfer S.H. Kim was also competing in the Asian Games as a member of South Korea's three-man team.