
Share
15th May 2017
09:02am BST

“Regardless of me winning this tournament, I really have to go to the military service, and I’ve already decided that I’m going to go, too. So I’m ready for that.”The country does hold exemptions for athletes but Kim, unfortunately, will not fall under the terms needed to avoid military service.
Winners of a gold medal at either the Olympic or Asian Games means that an athlete does not have to serve in the military for their country but PGA Tour wins are not enough.
21-year-old Kim will have to go back to South Korea by the time he's 30 to serve his time in the military so it remains to be seen at what point he will drop the clubs to return home.
Fellow South Korean golfer Bae Sang-Moon is currently serving in the military after a court ruled against his case to avoid conscription to continue playing on tour.
Other notable golfers from the country, K.J. Choi and 2009 USPGA Champion Y.E. Yang completed their stints with the military before turning professional.Explore more on these topics: