If the Internationals win at Medinah, Tom Kim won’t be around for the celebrations.
The International team is looking to win just its second Presidents Cup title ever on Sunday, but one of the team’s South Korean stars has to catch a flight to Japan.
Kim won the Internationals their first point on Sunday, becoming the first International player to win 4 points at the Presidents Cup since 2015.
The 24-year-old played in all five sessions this week and only lost once during Saturday afternoon foursomes. On Sunday, Kim cruised to a 3 and 2 victory over Wyndham Clark, putting the Internationals up 11.5-9.5 at the time.
Now he’s off to the Asian Games, where he’ll look to win gold and, with it, earn an exemption from South Korean military service.
South Korean law requires most able-bodied men to enlist by 28 and complete 18 to 21 months of military service. For athletes, exemptions are granted if you win a medal at the Olympics or gold at the Asian Games.
“I think when you get a chance to represent something more than yourself, it’s always an honor,” Kim said after finishing his match on Sunday. “Playing for the Shield, playing for the country, no matter what it is, if it’s bigger than yourself, I think it’s something that’s very honorable and something you should be always grateful for, and I’m very appreciative, and I’m very grateful to make the team this week. Hopefully the boys can do well and have a strong finish.
“Personally I think next week, I’m excited to go back to Asia. I haven’t been to Asia for so long, so I’m excited to go back home and see some friends and hopefully have good week.”
Two years ago, Kim was visibly emotional when he finished eighth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, just four shots off the podium. If gold isn’t in the cards at Aichi-Nagoya this week, he will likely have one more chance at earning an exemption if he finishes on the podium at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
