New Delhi, Oct. 3 -- Tom Kim did not cross the Pacific for a trophy that sits on a shelf. The South Korean won the men's singles gold at the Asian Games on Saturday, and that medal brought him a military exemption at home. Kim Joo-hyung, who plays as Tom Kim on the PGA Tour, closed with a 6-under 64 at Kasugai Country Club. His four-round total of 18-under 262 left him three clear. Japan's Kazuki Higa, China's Ding Wenyi and Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana were tied three back and went to a playoff. Higa took silver. Kaewkanjana took bronze.

Kim had only just finished the Presidents Cup when he flew to Japan. Asked about the exemption, he kept the medal in front of it.

"Despite that, I'm more proud that I'm able to bring a medal for my cou...