Tom Kim is off to a strong start in the Asian Games as he searches for an exemption from South Korean military service.
The 24-year-old, fresh of a 4-1-0 record in the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah No. 3 outside of Chicago, opened in 3-under 67 at Kasugai Country Club East Course in Japan. Kim sits two shots off the lead after the opening round, where Chinese Taipei's Wei-hsuan Wang and Japan's Kazuki Higa share the lead at 5 under.
If Kim wins a gold medal in the men’s competition or the team competition, he would be excused from his mandatory military service. All able-bodied males in South Korea are obligated to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military once they turn 19. They can postpone the date of their service but without a significant
cultural justification, like an Olympic medal, service is mandatory.
Kim sits T-7 on the leaderboard in a round that featured five birdies and two bogeys. He got to Japan late Monday after leaving Chicago on Sunday night following the conclusion of his singles match, a win against Wyndham Clark.
Japan leads the team leaderboard at 9 under, which is comprised of the two lowest scores. South Korea and China are T-2 at 7 under.
Cameron Jourdan is an assistant editor of Golfweek, covering college and amateur golf, the PGA Tour and plenty more. Follow Cameron on X/Twitter (@Cam_Jourdan) or Instagram (@GolfweekJourdan).
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Tom Kim begins Asian Games pursuit of military service exemption with 67
