Thai golfer Sadom Kaewkanjana has secured his place at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July after winning the Asian Tour's Kolon Korea Open.
The 26-year-old's victory in the Championship Qualifying Series event has earned him a coveted spot in golf's oldest major tournament.
This marks Kaewkanjana's return to major championship golf, having not played on golf's biggest stage since the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill.
The Korean Open triumph represents his first individual win since the 2022 Singapore Open, which previously qualified him for The Open at St. Andrews.
Sadom Kaewkanjana won Asian Tour's Kolon Korea Open.
Sadom Kaewkanjana
Kaewkanjana credits his success to an unusual source of mental strength - his time as an ordained Buddhist monk. In 2022, the golfer took a two-week break from the sport to undergo this spiritual journey, which is a common rite of passage for Thai men once they turn 20.
The ordination process involves taking vows to be formally recognised as a member of the monastic community.
During this period, duties include meditation, studying Buddhist teachings, upholding ethical precepts, and serving as spiritual leaders within the community.
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This traditional practice would prove transformative for Kaewkanjana's approach to golf.
Reflecting on his time as a monk, Kaewkanjana explained: "I was ordained because I wanted to return the greatest merit and repay my parents.
During this time of ordination, it was of great value and experience, even though the ordination was a short period of time."
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Sadom Kaewkanjana credits his success to an unusual source of mental strength
Sadom Kaewkanjana
The golfer noted how the isolation helped his mental game: "I was cut off from the rest of the world when I was ordained, that made me feel more calm.
"I was able to concentrate more, which will help me improve my game of golf."
This enhanced focus appears to have paid dividends, with Kaewkanjana now returning to golf's elite competition.
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Following his victory at the Kolon Korea Open, Kaewkanjana expressed his pride in the achievement: "It is a big honour to win this event; it's one of the biggest in the region."
The Thai golfer revealed his strategic approach to the final round: "I tried to concentrate more than last three rounds, so I could do it. I'm very happy."
Sadom Kaewkanjana's time as a monk helped him achieve success
Sadom Kaewkanjana
His win at the Korea Open, part of the Championship Qualifying Series, has special significance as it offers the winner automatic qualification for The Open Championship.
For Kaewkanjana, the upcoming appearance at Royal Portrush represents a welcome return to major championship golf and further validation of his enhanced mental approach to the sport.
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