Tom Kim wins Asian Games gold, earns exemption from military service

With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Tom Kim stroked a 3-foot putt on the 18th green Saturday at the Asian Games. When the ball found the bottom of the cup, Kim dropped his putter, leaned back to look at the sky, and placed his hands on his head in a way that looked more like great relief than excitement. The years-long heavy burden was finally gone.

The win earns Kim an exemption from military service that saves him the opportunity cost of 18 to 21 months of lost playing time in his prime, along with what would surely be millions of dollars in earnings.

The 24-year-old South Korean shot a final-round 6-under 64 at Kasugai Country Club’s East Course to win the men’s individual gold medal at the Asian Games. He finished the 72-hole stroke-play event at 18 under, three shots clear of the field.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” Kim said after the round.

He had some unexpected help before the final round. Kim awoke Saturday to a text from Tiger Woods telling him to be himself, according to local reports. Kim joked that he planned to reply with a photo of himself biting the medal.

His teammate S.H. Kim was not as fortunate. A team gold would have earned him the same exemption, but South Korea finished two shots behind China for silver.

Tom Kim arrived in Japan days after the Presidents Cup at Medinah, where he excelled for the International team. He leaves unburdened, with a newfound feeling of security to his future.