The Olympic men’s golf tournament holds significant meaning for South Korean golfers Tom Kim and Byeong Hun An, as winning a medal could exempt them from military service required for able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 in South Korea. This obligation typically lasts between 18 months and two years, with few exceptions granted for special circumstances such as winning an Olympic medal. This exemption is unique to South Korean golfers, as no other tournament, not even major championships, qualifies for exemption from military service.
Both Tom Kim and Byeong Hun An are in contention for a medal entering the final round of the tournament. An is currently seven strokes behind the leaders, Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm, after shooting a 66 on Saturday. Despite being within a couple of shots of the lead earlier in the round, An stumbled on the back nine with a double bogey on the 13th hole. Kim, on the other hand, is four shots behind the leaders as he shot a 69 on Saturday after opening with rounds of 66 and 68.
Kim, who is considered one of the PGA Tour’s promising young talents, has been reluctant to discuss the implications of winning a medal and exemption from military service. His focus remains on representing his country with pride and honor alongside An. Both Kim and An understand the challenges that lie ahead if they were to win a medal, as exemplified by Sang-Moon Bae, whose performance suffered after serving in the military following a successful career on the PGA Tour. An acknowledges the difficulties faced by golfers who have to take a break from practicing and playing for an extended period.
In South Korea, winning an Olympic medal is a significant achievement that goes beyond the realm of sports. It is a passport to exemption from mandatory military service, a sacrifice all able-bodied men in the country are required to make. The pressure to perform well in the final round of the Olympic men’s golf tournament is immense for Tom Kim and Byeong Hun An, as a medal could change their lives forever and grant them the freedom to focus on their golf careers without the looming obligation of military service. The stakes are high, and the impact of this tournament on these two golfers is unprecedented in the world of sports.
