Thai Golfer Secures Open Spot After Monastic Ordination

Thai golfer Sadom Kaewkanjana has secured a spot at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush by winning the Asian Tour's Kolon Korea Open, marking his return to major championship golf since the 2023 PGA Championship. Kaewkanjana attributes his improved mental focus and calmness on the course to a two-week ordination as a Buddhist monk in 2022, a traditional rite of passage for Thai men, which involved meditation, study of Buddhist teachings, and isolation from the world. This spiritual journey helped him regain concentration and mental strength, contributing to his recent victory and qualification for the Open. His win at the Kolon Korea Open was his first individual triumph since the 2022 Singapore Open, which had previously earned him entry to the Open at St. Andrews. The intense final round saw Kaewkanjana overcoming early setbacks and a close contest with fellow Thai golfer Poom Saksansin, who faced personal tragedy during the tournament. Kaewkanjana's journey highlights a unique blend of cultural tradition and competitive golf success, continuing a trend of diverse and unconventional paths to qualification in major golf tournaments.