Tom Kim takes Asian Games lead in bid to avoid military service

Tom Kim moved into the solo lead after the third round of the golf competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. With one round remaining, he is also helping South Korea lead the team competition.

The event carries particular importance for Kim. Most South Korean men are required to complete 18 to 21 months of military service between the ages of 18 and 35. Athletes can receive an exemption by winning gold for their country at certain major international events; in golf, those events include the Olympics and the Asian Games.

Kim came close at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where South Korean golfers needed to win a medal, but finished tied for eighth. At 24, the current Asian Games are one of his few remaining opportunities to earn the exemption. He must win the individual competition or help South Korea win team gold.

Kim opened the week with rounds of 67 and 66, reaching 7 under and sitting two shots off the lead at the halfway point. He then shot 65 in Round 3 to take the solo lead at 12 under. Two players are one shot behind.

If Kim holds the lead over the final 18 holes, he will win the gold medal and earn an exemption from mandatory military service.

Another South Korean player, S.H. Kim, is also seeking a chance to continue his professional career without a lengthy interruption. S.H. Kim currently plays on the Korn Ferry Tour, and these Asian Games could be his last opportunity to avoid an extended period of military service.

“I am 100% nervous, for sure. It’s a lot of pressure. I could stay on the PGA Tour with a gold. That’s my goal,” S.H. Kim told BBC Sport.

Both players can also earn the exemption through the team competition: South Korea leads by one shot. The country’s third player, Mun Do-yeob, has already completed his military service.

The importance of the exemption to both players’ careers is illustrated by the experience of Sangmoon Bae. After winning two PGA Tour events in 2013 and 2014, Bae was required to begin military service immediately after the 2015 Presidents Cup. He returned to the PGA Tour in 2017 but struggled badly, finishing 202nd in the FedEx Cup standings. His game and career never fully recovered.

Based on reporting by GOLF.com, written by Kevin Cunningham.