Time Is a Thief: Tom Kim and Potential Military Service

Stars come and go. It's the fate of the PGA Tour and a cruel reminder of how difficult the game of golf can be. But the same can't be said for Tom Kim. The 22-year-old native of South Korea has quickly become one of the Tour's most exciting up-and-coming players.

Kim, who burst onto the scene late in the 2022 season, has captured three victories to date and earned a spot on the Presidents Cup International Team. But we may be seeing less of him for quite some time.

Military Service Is Calling...

Tom Kim needed to medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the golf competition to avoid a mandatory 21-month period of military service for South Korean residents. Kim made a late run but ultimately came up short Sunday, quickly forging his future into jeopardy.

Kim was visibly distraught as the reality of the situation set in and was seen being comforted by close friend and Olympic gold medalist Scottie Scheffler after the round.

The emotions of the moment are understandable to many, but the bigger picture is what's potentially being lost. Kim was the No. 18 player in the world per the Official World Golf Ranking as of Monday morning. Imagine being a top-20 player and now potentially being on the hook for two years of military service, taking you away from all that you've worked for.

The game of golf moves swiftly no matter who you are. Two years may as well be a decade in terms of equipment and analytical developments. For all we know, Kim's young career could come to an end as swiftly as it began.

On Tap At The Tee Box

It's hard not to feel for Tom Kim. He's quickly become one of the most likable characters on the PGA Tour and has the talent to match. Sunday was a tough watch as the realization that Kim had come up just short of what he needed to accomplish set in.

Golf fans can only hope Kim finds another way to achieve something significant in the government's eyes to allow his exemption. It'd be a shame to see a quickly rising star be forced out of competition for an extended period — and even worse if he struggles to regain his form upon a return.

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