South Korean golfer Tom Kim got what he came for by winning the men’s singles title on Saturday at the Asian Games: a gold medal and an exemption from military service back home. Three golfers finished three shots back and faced a playoff, with Kazuki Higa of Japan taking silver and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana earning bronze. Tom Kim made a special effort to compete in Japan, flying across the Pacific after the Presidents Cup ended last weekend.
He shot a 6-under 64 in Saturday’s final round for a four-day total of 18-under 262.
China won the team event, with South Korea taking silver and Japan claiming bronze. So are three South Koreans who won gold in esports, an event at the Asian Games. “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.
Sixteen South Korean baseball players are also exempt after defeating Japan 3-1 in the Asian Games final earlier in the week.
“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,” he said.
However, South Korea failed to win the team competition. That meant S.H. Kim, who played on the team with Tom Kim, did not receive the exemption. Mun had already completed his military service and did not need an exemption. The teams were made up of three players, but only the best two scores counted each day towards the team total.
He closed with a 73, while the third team member, 35-year-old Mun Do-yeob, shot 70. The Asian Games format consisted of 72 holes of stroke play. Tom Kim dominated the 7,035-yard Kasugai Country Club course. Over the final two days, he carded eagles on the par-5 13th, a 520-yard hole that was particularly gettable in the sunny conditions and light winds.
