South Korean superstar golfer Tom Kim won gold at the Asian Games, securing an exemption from mandatory military service in South Korea.
The 24-year-old led into the final round and posted a brilliant six-under-par 64 to finish 18 under and win by three strokes.
There were signs of stress with a bogey on the 17th but, after five birdies and an eagle prior to that, Kim had the margin for error and tapped in for par on the last before letting out a roar, his relief clear to see.
South Korean males are, in most circumstances, required to serve between 18 and 21 months before age 28.
However, the government rewards Asian Games champions and Olympic medal winners of any colour with a service exemption, but they still must complete basic training, which lasts less than a month.
Athletes who have previously secured the exemption include former Tottenham footballer Son Heung-min, having won the 2021 Asian Games with his country.
Kim rushed from the Presidents Cup in the United States to tee off at Kasugai Country Club in Japan, managing on just six hours of sleep and a 14-hour time difference.
His efforts paid off, as the world number 32 can now continue his career, in which he has already won four PGA Tour titles and the Scottish Open in July 2026.
Kim had previously come close to securing an exemption at the Paris Olympics in 2024, finishing day one tied for third before ultimately finishing eighth.
