Paju, Korea - South Korea’s Tom Kim has set his sights firmly on a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, transitioning directly from competing in the Presidents Cup to representing his nation at Kasugai Country Club.
Despite facing jet lag and adjusting to differing grass conditions in Japan, the PGA Tour winner expressed confidence in his preparation after making the long-distance journey. Kim noted that heavy rainfall altered course dynamics during practice, though the shorter distance compared to PGA Tour venues presents a familiar challenge.
“My goal is to win the gold medal,” Kim said during his pre-tournament interview. “I slept well on the flight, so my physical condition is good. The key will be executing a clear course strategy and adapting smoothly to the turf.”
Off the course, Kim reflected on the stability brought by his recent marriage, crediting his domestic life for enhancing his focus on golf. Addressing the pressure of playing under the national flag, the young star emphasized maintaining composure and patience rather than letting expectation dictate his performance.
“Representing my country in Japan means giving my absolute best,” Kim added. “In the past, rushing things rarely worked out for me, but everything flows better when I stay relaxed. Whatever medal comes, I will be satisfied as long as I focus on the process.”