The four-time PGA Tour winner held a share of the lead heading into the final round at the Kasugai Country Club but needed to produce his best golf under the immense pressure of compulsory military training looming.

He did exactly that, carding a brilliant six-under-par 64 to finish at 18-under and win the individual gold medal by three strokes.

The victory carries a different kind of significance beyond another addition to Kim’s growing list of achievements.

South Korean men are generally required to complete between 18 and 21 months of military service before the age of 28, although athletes who achieve certain international honours are eligible for an exemption.

Tom Kim won gold at the Asian Games, avoiding mandatory military service. PHOTO: Getty Images.

Asian Games gold medallists and Olympic medallists of any colour are exempt from the full period of service, although they are still required to complete basic military training, which lasts less than a month.

Kim, 24, had been facing the prospect of interrupting his professional career to fulfil the requirement, but his victory has now removed that concern.

“This day was the longest day I think I've ever had in my life. It's only been six, five hours but it is definitely the longest, and I'm just glad it's done,” said a relieved Kim.

The individual gold was made even more impressive by the circumstances, with Kim producing a bogey-free final round to pull clear of the chasing pack.

He had already established himself as one of the most exciting young players in world golf, winning four times on the PGA Tour before turning 25, but the Asian Games triumph represented a very different kind of challenge.

Kim was also part of South Korea’s team that claimed silver, adding another medal to a week that ultimately delivered the result he had been chasing.

For Kim, the gold medal ensures his professional career can continue without the lengthy interruption that mandatory military service would otherwise have brought.