Tom Kim’s Unique Opportunity at the Presidents Cup and Asian Games

There is a possibility that the International team could secure a victory at the Presidents Cup for only the second time in the event’s history. However, one of the team’s key players, Tom Kim, might miss witnessing the conclusion.

Kim’s performance at the Presidents Cup has been impressive. He has accumulated three out of four possible points while playing at Medinah. Yet, Kim is scheduled to compete at the Asian Games starting Wednesday at Kasugi Country Club, Japan.

The significance of a Presidents Cup win matters to Kim, but a top finish at the Asian Games holds greater importance. A gold medal in either the men’s individual or team competition at the Asian Games would exempt him from mandatory military service in South Korea.

Under South Korean law, most able-bodied men must complete 18 to 21 months of military service. Special exemptions are granted for athletes and classical artists excelling in international competitions, such as winning any medal at the Olympics or a gold medal at the Asian Games.

This week, Tom Kim played the Foursome matches. On Saturday, he participated in day three of the Presidents Cup 2026 at Medinah Country Club.

Kim will fly to Japan on Sunday afternoon as reported by the Associated Press. This is in preparation for the Asian Games starting on Wednesday. He will face Wyndham Clark in Sunday’s singles matches.

Kim, born in Seoul, missed earning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics despite scoring a final-round 68. American Scottie Scheffler claimed the gold medal in that event.

Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim, also playing for the International team, won gold for South Korea in the 2023 Asian Games team competition.

For this year’s Asian Games, Kim will join Do-yeob Moon and S.H. Kim to represent South Korea. The 24-year-old is a four-time PGA Tour winner and has played in all initial four sessions of the 2026 Presidents Cup.