The South Korean golfer shot a final-round 64 in Nagoya to claim the men’s singles title by three strokes.
South Korean golfer Tom Kim won the men’s singles gold medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, securing an exemption from mandatory military service back home.
Kim shot a 6-under 64 in Saturday’s final round to finish with a four-day total of 18-under 262, according to the Associated Press. The Independent reported that he won the tournament by three shots.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men must complete 18 to 21 months of military service before turning 28. A third-round preview by the BBC noted Kim was seeking a gold medal that would significantly reduce his required military time, though post-round reports from the AP, the BBC, and The Independent confirmed the victory earned him an exemption.
Kim arrived in Japan shortly after playing at Medinah in the Presidents Cup. He opened the Asian Games with a 67 three days after that event, then posted a 65 in the third round to take the individual lead while South Korea moved ahead in the team standings.
The Asian Games triumph follows Kim’s victory at the Scottish Open in July, which was his first title in almost three years, according to BBC Sport.
