Tom Kim skips Baycurrent Classic after Asian Games gold

Tom Kim has pulled out of this week’s Baycurrent Classic in Yokohama, 8–11 October, a day after winning the men’s individual gold at the Asian Games. Norway’s Kris Ventura replaces him in the 72-player field, according to Golf Monthly and Golfweek.

No official reason has been given. Kim had left the Presidents Cup early to fly to Japan, then closed with a 64 at Kasugai Country Club on Saturday to win gold by three shots on 18 under (our report). The medal exempts him from South Korea’s compulsory military service, leaving only basic training to complete.

Golfweek reports that Kim is delaying his return to the PGA TOUR to do that basic training, the path Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim took after their own Asian Games golds. Golf Monthly puts the withdrawal down to a physically and emotionally draining few weeks. Kim, 24, has not said when he will be back.

Xander Schauffele defends the title, which he won on 19 under last year by a shot over Max Greyserman, and the field also has Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who won this event in 2021 when it was still the Zozo Championship. There is no cut, the purse is $8 million, and it is the third of eight FedExCup Fall events, which settle 2027 PGA TOUR cards for players further down the standings.

Sources

• PGA TOUR: Inside the Field, Baycurrent Classic
• Golf Monthly: Tom Kim withdraws from Baycurrent Classic following gold medal at Asian Games
• Golfweek via Yahoo Sports: Tom Kim WDs from Baycurrent after Asian Games gold medal
• Golf Monthly: Major winners and former champions headline Baycurrent Classic field
• Wikipedia: Baycurrent Classic