I’m Glad it’s Over, Says Grateful Kim

Aichi, Japan: Relief and delight were the over-riding emotions of Tom Kim Joo-hyung in the wake of his gold medal-winning performance at the 20th Asian Games.

“It’s a crazy feeling. I’m just glad it’s over. This day was the longest day I think I’ve ever had in my life. I’m just glad it’s done,” said the PGA Tour star, who posted an 18-under-par total of 262 at the Kasugai Country Club’s East Course in Aichi Prefecture.

Despite holding a one-shot lead after 54 holes, the 24-year-old Kim admitted he endured a difficult night ahead of the final round.

“Awful. I woke up a couple times in the night, but I’m also jet-lagged. I’m not fully recovered yet (from flying in last Monday straight from the Presidents Cup). Who knows, it might have been nerves, but also might have just been the time difference,” said Kim, whose victory has secured him an exemption from going through national service in his native country.

Kim said the biggest motivating factor for him was helping Korea to success in the team event in which he, Mun Do-yeob and Kim Seong-hyeon finished second, taking the silver medal.

Kim said: “I’m very grateful that I won gold (individual). I was more focused on winning a medal for my team, other than personal issues. And I’m very grateful that I was able to do that.

“There was pressure trying to win a gold medal for my team, for my country. That really was the only thing on my mind. I really wasn’t thinking about myself. I just I wanted to do the best for my country.

“I’m very proud of my country. I’m very grateful. This week, it really was a big motivating factor to just bring a medal to my country. I was able to do that, so I’m very grateful.”