South Korean golfer Tom Kim tearful as Olympic performance will result in military service

Golfer Tom Kim has released a heartfelt message after the South Korean sensation narrowly missed out on an exemption from compulsory military service at the 2024 Paris Olympics .

Kim was in action for South Korea in the extraordinary men's golf competition at Le Golf National in Paris, playing alongside compatriot An Byeong-hun.

Both are now facing 21 months of mandatory military service before they turn 35 unless they can secure an Olympic medal, which would grant them a waiver.

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On Sunday, Kim had his sights set on an exemption, having positioned himself well to contend for one of the coveted medals during the final round.

Unfortunately, the PGA Tour favorite ended up four strokes behind Hideki Matsuyama, placing eighth at 13-under-par. Following the event, an emotional Kim was spotted tearing up while signing his scorecard next to his good friend and tournament winner Scottie Scheffler.

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Taking to Instagram later, Kim reflected on his first Olympic experience. "Hello, I'm Kim Joo Hyung, a golfer in Korea. Not sure where to speak from," he began.

"First of all. I really want to thank my loving Father God who always want to give glory to you when I succeed and when I fail in life."

"Thank you so much for always teaching me to be humble as a person and a golfer, guiding me on the right path and being my biggest strength in difficult situations. The second. Until now, there are no Korean golfers who have Olympic games every month, so this time, my Korean players ate hard and ran with the burden.."

"But I feel so sorry and more responsible for not doing that. To all the Korean fans who cheered me on the field as well as in Korea, I am very sorry that I did not get the desired result and I will try harder.. Thank you."

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In his heartfelt statement, Kim also gave a nod to Scheffler, saying: "Huge shout out to @scottie.scheffler man this guy never fails to impress me."

"I cherish our moments but this one was very special. Despite what he had done, what you said to me after our round meant everything to me. Happy for you and your team. Congrats."

At just 22 years old, Kim's journey is far from over, having already experienced a meteoric rise.

He's got his sights set on making an impact at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles , where golf will take place at the Riviera Country Club. Additionally, Kim could secure military service exemption through the Asian Games, much like his Tour colleagues Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim, who clinched gold in the men's golf event in 2023.

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