Tom Kim pulls off a life-changing win

It was a compelling headline and story this week, to be sure: Tom Kim needs a victory in the Asian Games in Japan to avoid mandatory military service in his native South Korea. Perhaps it was made even more interesting because that kind of required commitment hasn’t been seen in the U.S. since the draft ended in 1972. Of course, younger generations may not be aware that athletes from all sports had their careers interrupted by military service, including golf legends like Ben Hogan and Lee Trevino.

Kim’s circumstance was interesting because he is 24 years old, and it figured that he had about four more years to win at the Asian Games or take home a medal from the Olympics before the military came calling. As I wrote this week, military service could have devastating effects on a golf career, with the prime example being the way Sangmoon Bae’s game has never been the same after his time in the South Korean Army.

Kim, meantime, had his eyes on the calendar. The Asian Games are only every four years, so he’d be 28 for the next one. The next Olympics is in 2028 in L.A., where the competition at Riviera will be deep.

Facing all of that, this seemed like the pressure of a major for Kim, and it was wholly impressive how he performed. He shot 18 under to win by three shots, and then admitted afterwards, “This day was the longest day I think I’ve ever had in my life.”

What a relief for him. It’s only ranges for golf and not rifles in Kim’s future, and the win adds more affirmation that the former prodigy—with a PGA Tour win and a 4-1 showing in the Presidents Cup this year—isn’t going to just let all these precocious American college grads push him into the shadows.

Watch Tim Kim's emotional reaction as he wins gold at the Asian Games, avoids military service

The 24-year-old shot a career-altering final-round 66, earning an exemption from South Korea's mandatory military service.

By Evin Priest

What You Need to Know

Jonathan Wall

Brooks Koepka's equipment setup has undergone numerous changes in the last decade, which makes sense when you think about it. Koepka's been on staff with Nike and Srixon, as well as having a successful stint as an equipment free agent. And yet, even through all the changes, two clubs have managed to fend off the competition: Nike's Vapor Fly Pro 3-iron and TaylorMade's M2 3-wood.

While the former remained in the bag at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Koepka made a surprise move and replaced the M2 3-wood with a TaylorMade R7 Quad mini driver.

Whether this is a one-week tweak for links golf or the start of a longer move away from the M2 remains to be seen. Koepka, who's three shots back of the lead heading into the weekend, hasn't spoken about the club change. But based on photos I captured during the PGA Championship, the 3-wood was showing serious signs of wear.

In other words, it may have simply been time to replace it. As for the mini driver, the club has become a bag staple for several high-profile names in recent years, including Tommy Fleetwood, Adam Scott and Rickie Fowler, because it offers versatility off the tee and from the turf.

Tod Leonard

There seems to be little that happens quietly in Michael Block’s life. He is, after all, the most polarizing golf club pro on the planet, and he continues to make competitive waves on PGA Tour Champions. Block is once again contending for his first senior title this week in the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, taking the clubhouse lead on Saturday by shooting 63. But he doesn’t need a victory to celebrate a big milestone. And that part has gone under the radar.

As reported by the Daily Breeze in Orange County, Block will officially become a member of the over-50 circuit after Lehigh because he'll have made seven starts this season and has earnings that put him well into the top 72 on tour. Block has three top-10s since turning 50 in June and has earned $326,486. That would have put him at No. 50 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings as a member, and he figures to climb farther up with another strong result in Allentown, Pa. So, Block is in the three-event playoffs that begin Oct. 23 at the Stifel Charity Classic in St. Louis—which happens to be his hometown. Just one more crazy Blockie twist.

“I really didn’t think it was a possibility with such a short season left [after turning 50] that I could make the playoffs,” Block told Southland Golf, “but that was my goal—and now it’s going to happen. It’s unbelievable.”

Stephen Hennessey

One of Myrtle Beach’s premier golf facilities has opened a new nine-hole short course. The Piper opened to the public on Friday at the Legends Golf Resort, where three 18-hole courses—the Heathland, the Parkland and the Moorland—already sit (guests also have access to Oyster Bay and Heritage Club). Designed by Ken Baker and sitting on 12 acres behind the clubhouse, The Piper features holes from 54 yards up to 120—providing a fun option for all ages and abilities. The course will be $10 for juniors and $25 for other guests for the rest of 2026. Check out our list of the 25 best courses you can play in Myrtle Beach here.

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