Tom Kim Left the Presidents Cup Early — for Very Good Reason

MEDINAH, Ill. — The U.S. team celebrated on the 18th green at Medinah Country Club while the International team watched in silence. Tom Kim was already on his way out — and for very good reason.

Kim earned four points, more than any other player on either team, and stayed with his teammates as long as he could. He then left for the airport: the Asian Games begin in Japan on Wednesday, and Kim will represent South Korea alongside two fellow countrymen. A gold medal would bring both a major title and the possibility of an exemption from mandatory military service.

Kim was exceptional at the Presidents Cup. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, he and friend and teammate Si Woo Kim went 3-1-0 in team matches. On Sunday, Tom Kim defeated an in-form Wyndham Clark in singles. He was 1 down through seven holes, then moved three up by the 14th and held that margin to the finish.

“Just be relentless. That’s what I had in my heart,” Kim said. “The U.S. is really, really good, and there’s a reason why they’re good. They’re very stacked, and it was a tough task for everyone. I’m just glad I did my part for the team … I’m just very proud. This is probably my best Presidents Cup yet.”

Si Woo Kim praised his partner: “We know very well each other. He helps me a lot, gives me a lot of confidence, and I think I give him a lot of confidence.” International captain Geoff Ogilvy added: “Tom’s a fantastic player. The Kims make an incredible pair. They’re fun to watch. They bring so much energy to this team. And they’re very reliable, and they win us a lot of points … we love having them on our side.”

It was not enough. Kim won his match, as did Sungjae Im three matches later, but the Internationals collected only half a point from the final seven matches. Their three-point lead became a four-point loss.

Able-bodied men in South Korea are required to serve in the military, though exemptions exist for some athletes and artists. An Olympic medal is one route; Kim finished eighth in 2024, four shots outside the bronze-medal position. Another is a gold medal at the Asian Games, either individually or as part of a team.

“When you get a chance to represent something more than yourself, it’s always an honor,” Kim said. “Playing for the International Shield, playing for the country — no matter what it is, if it’s bigger than yourself, it’s something honorable and something you should always be grateful for. I’m very appreciative and very grateful to make the team this week.”

“Personally, I’m excited to go back to Asia next week. I haven’t been to Asia for so long, so I’m excited to go back home, see some friends and hopefully have a good week,” he added.

Kim was 20 when he made his Presidents Cup debut in Charlotte, playing all five sessions and going 2-3-0. He played four more times in Montreal, going 1-2-1. This week’s 4-1-0 record moved his overall Presidents Cup mark above .500, rare territory for an International player. His record with Si Woo Kim is now 5-2-0.

At the Asian Games, Tom Kim will play alongside fellow professionals S.H. Kim, who has played on the Korean PGA since returning home earlier this year, and Doyeob Moon, who represented Korean G.C. on LIV Golf this year.

Professional golfers are appearing at the Asian Games for only the second time. In 2023, Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im helped South Korea win by 25 shots.

South Korea’s main challenge will come from the host nation. Japan’s team includes current PGA Tour player Keita Nakajima, last year’s Asian Tour winner Kazuki Higa and Arizona golfer Taishi Moto.

The good news for Tom Kim is that he heads to the Asian Games knowing his game is good enough to beat the best golfers in the world.