Tom Kim wins Asian Games gold medal in Japan

South Korean golfer Tom Kim won the gold medal in the men’s individual golf competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Competing at the Kasugai Country Club, Kim finished at 18-under 262, securing a three-stroke victory over Kazuki Higa, Ding Wenyi, and Sadom Kaewkanjana.

In addition to the athletic achievement, the gold medal earns Kim an exemption from mandatory South Korean military service. Under South Korean regulations, elite athletes who win gold at the Asian Games or medal at the Olympics are eligible for exemption, requiring only a brief period of basic training rather than the standard 18 to 21 months of service.

Following his victory in Japan, Kim has withdrawn from the Baycurrent Classic, a PGA Tour FedExCup Fall event. This follows a demanding schedule that included participating in the Presidents Cup in the United States before traveling to Japan.