Tom Kim has revealed a simple message from Tiger Woods helped settle his nerves before one of the most important rounds of his career.
The South Korean star fired a brilliant six-under 64 at Kasugai Country Club to win the Asian Games men’s individual golf title in Japan, finishing at 18-under 262 and three shots clear of the field.
The victory also carried major significance away from the course, earning the 24-year-old an exemption from South Korea’s standard mandatory military service requirements.
Before the final round, Kim received a message from 15-time major champion Woods.
“Just be you. Nothing more, nothing less,” Woods told him.
It was timely advice for Kim, who admitted the pressure surrounding the tournament was unlike anything he normally experiences on the PGA Tour.
“It’s a crazy feeling,” Kim said. “I’m just glad it’s over. This day was the longest day I think I’ve ever had in my life.”
Kim arrived in Japan shortly after representing the International Team at the Presidents Cup at Medinah, making the quick turnaround even more demanding.
He entered the final round with a one-shot lead but produced his best golf when it mattered, closing with a 64 to secure the gold medal.
The relief was obvious after his final putt dropped, with Kim celebrating emotionally as the significance of the victory sank in.
South Korean men are generally required to complete mandatory military service, but Asian Games gold medallists can qualify for an exemption from the standard commitment.
That had placed an unusual level of pressure on Kim throughout the week.
“At a tour event it is not as if you would feel tension every day from Thursday to Sunday,” he said. “But this week I was nervous from start to finish.”
Kim and Woods have developed a closer relationship through Jupiter Links Golf Club in TGL, where they are teammates.
Asked whether he had replied to Woods after winning, Kim joked that a photo of himself biting the gold medal might be the appropriate response.
Already a four-time PGA Tour winner, Kim can now continue building his professional career without the prospect of an extended interruption for military service.
South Korea also claimed silver in the men’s team competition behind China.
Kim’s attention will eventually turn towards another major goal — the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he hopes to add Olympic gold to his Asian Games title.
“My next goal is to win an Olympic gold medal,” he said.
