Image Source: Golf Digest
PGA Tour star Tom Kim made an impressive start at the 2026 Asian Games, shooting a 3-under 67 at Kasugai Country Club East Course in Japan. The result placed the 24-year-old South Korean inside the top 10 and kept him firmly in contention for a gold medal—and a highly significant military service exemption.
Kim began the tournament just days after completing the Presidents Cup at Medinah, where he played a leading role for the International team. Despite traveling from Chicago to Japan and arriving late Monday, he showed little sign of fatigue during his opening round outside Nagoya.
PGA Tour star Tom Kim stays close to Asian Games lead
Kim’s 67 left him tied for seventh after 18 holes, two strokes behind the co-leaders. Chinese Taipei’s Wei-hsuan Wang and Japan’s Kazuki Higa each opened with 5-under 65s to share the individual lead.
Higa also helped Japan take control of the team competition. The team standings are based on the two lowest individual scores from each country, with Japan holding a two-stroke advantage after the opening round. South Korea and China were tied for second at 7 under.
- Wei-hsuan Wang and Kazuki Higa share the individual lead at 5 under.
- Tom Kim is tied for seventh at 3 under.
- South Korea and China are tied for second in the team competition at 7 under.
- Japan leads the team standings by two strokes.
Gold medal could change Kim’s military obligation
The stakes are unusually high for Kim. Under South Korean law, able-bodied men are generally required to complete between 18 and 21 months of military service. However, a gold medal in either the individual or team golf competition at the Asian Games can provide an exemption from the standard obligation.
Eligible athletes who receive the exemption still complete a shortened period of basic military training and community service, but they avoid the full active-duty requirement. For Kim, a strong performance in Japan could therefore affect both his personal future and his professional schedule.
South Korean golfers Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim earned the exemption in 2023 after helping their country win the Asian Games golf competition by 25 strokes. Tom Kim is now seeking to join them, with every round carrying additional importance.
Strong Presidents Cup form adds momentum
Kim arrived in Japan with considerable momentum. He was part of the International team at the Presidents Cup and finished the competition with a 4-1-0 record. In Sunday singles at Medinah, he defeated two-time U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, winning 3 and 2.
Kim was also one of the International side’s standout players during the team matches. Although the United States ultimately completed a comeback in the final session, Kim’s performance underscored his growing reputation as one of the most competitive young players in professional golf.
His recent form includes a victory at the 2026 Scottish Open, further strengthening his position as one of the leading international players on the PGA Tour. The combination of tournament experience, confidence and physical endurance could prove valuable as the Asian Games move into the second round.
Pressure rises as South Korea chases Japan
Kim’s individual position gives South Korea a realistic chance to challenge for the team title, but the country will need another strong showing from its players. Japan has already established an early advantage, while China remains level with South Korea in the team standings.
The second round will test whether Kim can maintain his pace after a demanding travel schedule and an emotionally intense Presidents Cup. A medal remains within reach, but the ultimate prize—a gold medal and military exemption—will require continued precision under pressure.
What did Tom Kim shoot in the opening round?
Tom Kim shot a 3-under 67 at Kasugai Country Club East Course in Japan during the opening round of the 2026 Asian Games.
How far is Tom Kim from the lead?
Kim is two strokes behind co-leaders Wei-hsuan Wang and Kazuki Higa, who each opened with a 5-under 65.
What is at stake for Tom Kim?
A gold medal in either the individual or team competition could exempt Kim from South Korea’s standard mandatory military service requirement.
How did Kim perform at the Presidents Cup?
Kim recorded a 4-1-0 record for the International team and defeated Wyndham Clark, 3 and 2, in Sunday singles.
