Moment Scottie Scheffler embraces emotional Tom Kim at the 2024 Olympics as South Korean golf star fails to avoid mandatory military service after missing out on medal

Scottie Scheffler could be seen comforting an emotional South Korean golf star who failed to win an Olympic medal which would have spared him military service on Sunday.

Tom Kim, 22, was seen crying in the club house at Le Golf National following his final round after missing out on a podium finish at this summer's Olympic golf tournament.

Not only had he come up short in his bid to win a medal, but Kim had also failed to secure exemption from mandatory military service in his native South Korea.

It is law in South Korea that all men - unless exempt - must complete 18-21 months of military service and they must enlist before the age of 28.

Some men are given exemptions based on physical and mental health issues, while it is not uncommon for rich families to send children to foreign schools to gain duel citizenship.

Another way to get excused from conscription in South Korea is to win an Olympic medal of any color, or a gold at the Asian Games.

Kim could still avoid military service by winning gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan or any medal at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. 

However, after letting a chance to rule it out slip through his fingers the South Korean was visibly emotional both on the course and in the clubhouse. 

Scheffler, the current world No 1, captured the gold medal after posting a course record-tying 62 to see off competition from Tommy Fleetwood.

And as he nervously waited to find out if his score was enough for gold, the two-time Masters champion was pictured consoling Kim after his fellow PGA Tour star's devastating blow.

Fans were quick to heap praise on Scheffler for the classy gesture while his own Olympic hopes were hanging in the balance.

One wrote: 'Scottie is an incredible human being, so much class'.

Another put: 'Great friends. Keep ya heads up Tom!'

While a third commented: 'Incredible humility by Scottie Scheffler - delivers a final 9 that will win him the Gold, but has the presence of mind to comfort his friend Tom Kim who misses the chance to avoid mandatory military service in Korea. Another signature win for the no.1.'

Kim came joint eighth at the Paris Games, missing out on a bronze medal by four strokes. 

Scheffler, meanwhile, produced a late barrage of birdies which fired him into top spot after the 17th at Le Golf National.

Fleetwood was forced to settle for silver in France, while Hideki Matsuyama made up the top three with the Japanese star shooting a final-round 65 to clinch a bronze medal on -17.