Tom Kim Takes Asian Games Lead as Gold Medal Could Bring Military Exemption

Posted : 03 October 2026

Tom Kim moved into the lead after the third round of the men's golf competition at the Asian Games in Japan. The South Korean carded a five-under-par 65 at Kasugai Country Club to reach 12 under and take a one-stroke advantage into the final round.

Kim started the day two shots behind the overnight leader but produced an impressive round featuring five birdies and an eagle. The world number 32 could have built a larger advantage but missed birdie putts on the 14th and 18th holes.

The 24-year-old is chasing more than an Asian Games title. A gold medal would allow him to avoid the extended period of compulsory military service normally required of able-bodied South Korean men.

South Korean men are generally required to complete between 18 and 21 months of military service before turning 28. Asian Games gold medallists and Olympic medallists of any colour receive an exemption from the full service period, although they must still complete basic military training lasting less than a month.

Kim has already experienced the disappointment of narrowly missing that opportunity. He finished eighth at the 2024 Paris Olympics after starting the tournament strongly, with the golfer visibly emotional following his final-round result.

He arrived in Japan shortly after competing at the Presidents Cup in the United States. The demanding schedule left him with only about six hours of sleep while also dealing with a 14-hour time difference.

Kim's career already includes four PGA Tour victories and an Asian Tour Order of Merit title. An Asian Games gold medal would therefore provide both a major sporting achievement and an important benefit for his professional career.

Taiwan's Wang Wei-hsuan and Japan's Kazuki Higa remain closest to Kim heading into the final round. Kim will need to protect his narrow advantage over the closing 18 holes.

South Korea also leads the men's team competition by one stroke. A team gold would provide the military exemption for Kim and teammate SH Kim regardless of their individual results.

SH Kim, 28, acknowledged the pressure surrounding the opportunity, saying he was "100% nervous" about the possibility of military service. A team gold would allow him to remain on the PGA Tour, which he described as his goal.

Tom Kim Takes Asian Games Lead as Gold Medal Could Bring Military Exemption

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