KIM SI-WOO’S victory at The Players Championship on Sunday burnished the South Korean’s reputation as one of the best young talents on the PGA Tour but the 21-year-old knows his career will soon have to take a back seat.

South Korea requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 to complete at least 21 months in the military.

It offers exemptions to athletes who win a medal of any color at the Olympics or gold at the Asian Games.

Unfortunately for Kim, winning the PGA Tour’s flagship event does not bring an exemption.

Kim became the second South Korean to win the event after KJ Choi in 2011.

“I really wish we could have that benefit,” Kim told reporters. “However, regardless of me winning this tournament I really have to go to the military service, and I’ve already decided I’m going to go so I’m ready for that.”

Kim’s compatriot Bae Sang-moon, another two-time winner on the PGA Tour, lost a legal battle to defer his military service in 2015. He is expected to return for the 2018 season though it is unclear how much time it will take him to regain top form after two years away from competitive action.

(SD-Agencies)