The International team’s shining light of the 16th Presidents Cup headed straight to the airport after seeing off Wyndham Clark in the singles. His reasons, it turned out, could be life-changing.
Tom Kim didn’t stick around to see the United States team lift the Presidents Cup trophy.
The Americans’ nine-and-a-half-point haul on Sunday was a record for the singles in the biennial showdown against the Internationals as Brandt Snedeker’s men came from three back to lift the trophy for an 11th straight time at Medinah.
But by the time they got their hands on the gold cup, Kim – a standout player for the visiting side with four points from five – was already en route to Chicago’s O’Hare airport to board a flight to Japan.
“I’m very appreciative, and I’m very grateful to make the team this week,” Kim said following his 3&2 win over Wyndham Clark in the second of Sunday’s 12 singles matches.
“Personally I’m excited to go back to Asia. I haven’t been for so long, so I’m excited to go back home and see some friends and hopefully have a good week.”
But Kim wasn’t bailing on his teammates for a reunion. He will head straight to Kasugi Country Club where he will compete in this week’s Asian Games, and there is so much more than a medal at stake for the 24-year-old.
That’s because, under South Korean law, able-bodied men must complete 18 to 21 months mandatory military service between the ages of 18 and 35. Among those exempt, however, are athletes who excel in international competitions – including winning individual or team gold at the Asian Games, or any medal at the Olympics.
In Paris two years ago, Kim was visibly emotional after a final-round 68 left him four shots off a bronze at Le Golf National.
Tom Kim struggled to hide his frustration after missing out on an Olympic medal by four shots in Paris. (Getty Images)
“I think when you get a chance to represent something more than yourself, it’s always an honor,” Kim added. “Playing for the [International team] 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.”
History is certainly on Kim’s side. South Korea have won 39 medals since golf became part of the Asian Games in 1982 – 21 more than Japan in second. Last time out, Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im won the team event by 25 shots in Hangzhou.
Joining the world number 31 will be Do Yeob Mun, who played on Byeong Hun An’s LIV Golf team this year, and fellow South Korean SH Kim, who started the season on the PGA Tour before being summoned home to begin his military service.
Conscription has stalled a number of promising careers in the recent past. Sang Moon Bae won twice on the PGA Tour and qualified for the 2015 Presidents Cup before a South Korean court ruled against his claim for US residency.
Another, Seung Yul Noh, won the 2014 Zurich Classic of New Orleans – then an individual competition – before returning home. He now plies his trade on the second-tier Korn Ferry Tour.
Two of South Korea’s most successful players – PGA champion YE Yang, the only man Tiger Woods failed to beat after leading a major through 54 holes, and eight-time PGA Tour winner KJ Choi – completed their mandatory military service before turning pro.
The 2026 Asian Games’ golf tournament will get underway on Wednesday.