It offers exemptions to athletes who win a medal of any colour at the Olympics or gold at the Asian Games.
Unfortunately for Kim, winning the PGA Tour's flagship event does not bring an exemption.
“I really wish we could have that benefit,” Kim told reporters on Sunday. “However, regardless of me winning this tournament I really have to go to the military service, and I’ve already decided I’m going to go so I’m ready for that.”
Kim's compatriot Bae Sang-moon, another two-time winner on the PGA Tour, lost a legal battle to defer his military service in 2015. He is expected to return for the 2018 season though it is unclear how much time it will take to regain top form after two years away from competitive action.
Kim, who said he had not decided when he will undertake his military service, delivered an impressive three-stroke victory in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The win was Kim’s second on the PGA Tour and earned him a five-year exemption on the Tour.
Kim became the second South Korean to win the event after K.J. Choi in 2011 and he said he hoped his victory would help inspire his countrymen to raise their game. “I really wish I could be a good example of the Korean men’s player,” Kim said. “The Korean ladies are dominating the LPGA Tour, so I was kind of jealous seeing that and I wanted to represent Korea very well.”
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Share
