Tom Kim’s Olympic Tears: How Missing a Medal Could Mean a Major Setback for His PGA Tour Dreams

PGA Tour star Tom Kim was left in tears at Le Golf National after missing a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, potentially jeopardizing his PGA career due to South Korea’s mandatory military service. Kim’s hopes for an exemption evaporated following a double-bogey on the 18th hole, dropping him to eighth place.

Kim, who had been in contention for a podium finish, was visibly emotional, reflecting on the hard work leading up to the Games. “I’ve never been this emotional after a round,” he admitted, noting the impact of supportive words from fellow golfer Scottie Scheffler.

South Korean athletes can avoid conscription with an Olympic medal or an Asian Games gold. Kim, 22, now faces the possibility of military service unless he can secure an exemption at the 2026 Asian Games.

Heung-min avoided military conscription after winning the 2018 Asian Games ( Image: Getty Images)[/caption]

At just 22 years old, Kim has an additional opportunity to excuse himself from service, the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, and the three-time PGA Tour event winner has opted not to consider the ramifications of potential service on his career.

“It doesn’t worry me at all,” Kim said Thursday when asked about Bae. “It’s the way our country works, and good golf takes care of everything. Just because it happened to him doesn’t mean it happens to other people. You can’t say that it affected him at all. There could be different things that could have happened. I’m not really thinking about it. It’s not on my mind at all, I’m just trying to focus on my game.”