Why Did Tom Kim Break Down @ Le Golf National?

PGA Tour star Tom Kim was left in tears in the clubhouse at Le Golf National after missing out on a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as he now faces the prospect of military service.

Kim could have secured an exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service policy and enjoyed an uninterrupted PGA Tour career with a medal at the Olympic Games this summer.
But after a disastrous double-bogey finish on the 18th hole dashed his podium dreams, Kim was captured on video wiping away tears in the Olympic clubhouse as his countdown toward conscription continues.

South Korea has a mandatory conscription law requiring able-bodied men to complete an 18-21 month stint with the military between the ages of 18-35. Exceptions for this service are made for, among others, athletes who either medal at the Olympic Games or earn gold at the Asian Games.

One notable example of a Korean golfer serving in the military is Kim’s compatriot Bae Sang-moon. Bae won PGA events in 2013 and 2014 but was forced into a 21-month conscription period the following year, posting just one T-45 finish in the 17 events upon his return and briefly losing his Tour card.

📌 Xander’s $408 Equipment Change Doesn’t Get Him Gold: Xander Schauffele made an equipment change worth $408.53 ahead of the Paris Olympics in a bid to defend his Olympic Gold.

Schauffele used the Callaway Apex Utility Wood at Le Golf National – a change from his previous two events, where he preferred the Mizuno MP-20 3-iron.

The Callaway Apex UW is a 2021 club – it has tungsten parts strategically placed in the head that allow for increased tee height and consistent rotation and also eliminates draw bias. Callaway’s official online store offers this club for $408.53.

But the change didn’t bring the desired result for Schauffele, as he eventually finished tied for the ninth spot.