Tom Kim failed to achieve a podium finish in the men’s Olympic golf event, despite finishing 13 under par after four very tidy rounds.
The 22-year-old was pictured crying in a clubhouse at Le Golf National following his final round. Not only had he missed out on an Olympic medal but he had also failed to secure exemption from military service in his native South Korea.
It is law in South Korea that all men – unless exempt – must complete 18-21 months of military service and they must enlist before the age of 28.
Some men are given exemptions based on physical and mental health issues, while it is not uncommon for rich families to send children to foreign schools to gain dual citizenship.
Another way to get excused from conscription in South Korea is to win an Olympic medal of any color, or gold at the Asian Games.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Son captained South Korea to gold in the men’s football event at the 2018 Asian Games and therefore only had to complete three weeks of basic training, instead of 21 months.
A Marine Corps officer later praised Son for his commitment during his training and the Spurs ace was presented with the ‘Pilsung’ prize, given to the top five performing trainees.
Kim could yet follow Son’s path by earning an exemption if he wins gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, or any medal at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
If not, he could be forced to spend a big chunk of time away from the PGA Tour.
Kim has won three PGA titles in his career to date. He also finished tied for second place at The Open last year.
Kim came joint eighth at Paris 2024, missing out on a bronze medal by four strokes.
Gold went to Scottie Scheffler of the USA, who finished 19 under par.
Tommy Fleetwood (-18) of Team GB took silver, while Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama (-17) got bronze.
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