Former LIV golfer earns Open spot after becoming ordained monk

There was a surprise name lurking near the top of the leaderboard during The Open’s last visit to St Andrews.

Sadom Kaewkanjana, a largely unheralded but extremely talented Thai player, posted a shock T11 finish in the 150th edition of golf’s oldest major at its spiritual home three years ago.

He has only played in one major since, missing the cut at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill.

But Kaewkanjana, who played in the inaugural eight-tournament season of the LIV Golf League in 2022, will now be back in the big time once more this summer.

The 26-year-old won the Asian Tour’s Kolo Korean Open by two shots on Sunday, claiming the sole spot to Royal Portrush through the R&A’s Open Qualifying Series.

“It is a big honour to win this event; it’s one of the biggest in the region,” Kaewkanjana said after scooping the $360,000 winner’s cheque at the Dunes Course at La Vie Est Belle golf club near Seoul.

“I tried to concentrate more than last three rounds, so I could do it. I’m very happy.”

It is the first time Kaewkanjana has tasted victory on the Asian Tour since 2022, when he won the Singapore Open to clinch his dream spot at St Andrews.

In 2023, after his MC at the PGA Championship, Kaewkanjana became an ordained monk.

He took two weeks out from the game to enter the monastery and study the teachings of Buddha. That process is seen as a rite of passage for Thai men in their 20s and Kaewkanjana also followed in the footsteps of countryman and golfer Jazz Janewattananond.

“I was ordained because I wanted to return the greatest merit and repay my parents,” he said after his experience.

“During this time of ordination, it was of great value and experience, even though the ordination was a short period of time.

“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.”