Golf star Tom Kim going from Presidents Cup to Asian Games seeking exemption from military service

There is a very real chance that the International team wins the Presidents Cup for just the second time in the biennial event’s history on Sunday, but one of the team’s most important players likely won’t be around to witness the finish.

Tom Kim, who has earned three of a possible four points at Medinah this week, is slated to compete in the Asian Games at Kasugi Country Club in Japan beginning on Wednesday. While a Presidents Cup victory would be quite meaningful for Kim, a top finish in the Asian Games would undoubtedly trump it.

If Kim were to win a gold medal in the men’s individual or team competition in Japan, he would be excused from his mandatory military service in South Korea.

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According to the Associated Press, Kim is set to fly to Japan late Sunday afternoon, with the Asian Games beginning Wednesday. He will be taking on Wyndham Clark in the second match of the day during Sunday’s singles matches.

Under South Korean law, most able-bodied men must perform 18 to 21 months of military service. Special exemptions, however, are granted for both athletes and classical artists who excel in international competitions.

Athletes can receive exemptions by earning any medal at the Olympics or a gold medal at the Asian Games.

Tom Kim of the International Team reacts to a made putt on the 12th hole green during Day Three of the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club Course No. 3 on September 26, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by James Gilbert/PGA TOUR via Getty Images) (James Gilbert/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

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Kim, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, came close to earning a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris after shooting a final-round 68, missing out on third place in the individual competition by four shots. American Scottie Scheffler earned the gold medal in Paris.

Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim, both competing on the International team this week, won a gold medal for South Korea in the team competition during the 2023 Asian Games.

Tom Kim of South Korea and the International Team lines up a putt on the 15th green during Friday’s Foursomes on day two of the Presidents Cup 2026 at Medinah Country Club on September 25, 2026 in Medinah, Illinois. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

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Tom Kim will be joined by Do-yeob Moon and S.H. Kim on the South Korean team for this year’s Asian Games.

The 24-year-old is a four-time PGA Tour winner and is one of just four players on the International team to play in the first four sessions of this year’s Presidents Cup.