Two things were on the line as Tom Kim steadied himself for perhaps the most important putt of his golfing career: An individual gold medal, and a military service exemption. He sank the putt and, with an enormous pressure lifted, immediately put his hands on his head, overcome with emotion.
Kim shot a 4-under 64 in Saturday’s final round of the Asian Games in Japan to win a prize that might end up meaning the most to him in his pro career. By clinching gold, the four-time PGA Tour winner earned an exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service. Under the country’s conscription rules, most able-bodied men must serve 18 to 21 months in uniform, but male athletes can avoid service by winning a medal of any color at the Olympics, or winning gold in the Asian Games.
