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Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland – In a sport known for its psychological grind, where patience is a premium and inner calm often separates champions from challengers, Sadom Kaewkanjana stands out—not just for his golf swing, but for his spiritual journey.
The 27-year-old Thai golfer isn’t just one of Asia’s most promising golfing talents—he’s also an ordained Buddhist monk. As he stands on the fairways of Royal Portrush during the 153rd British Open, poised near the top of the leaderboard, he brings with him not only a powerful game but a profound sense of inner peace cultivated in a monastery.
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Kaewkanjana, already a record-holder in Thai golf history for his tied-11th finish at St. Andrews in 2022—the highest ever by a Thai golfer at The Open—is once again making headlines. But this time, it’s not just about scores and statistics. It’s about a remarkable fusion of spirituality and sport.
A Dual Path: Fairways and Faith
Born in Chonburi, Thailand, Sadom Kaewkanjana showed promise in golf from a young age. He rose through the amateur ranks swiftly, turning professional in 2018 and making an immediate impact on the Asian Tour. But unlike most of his peers, Kaewkanjana’s journey has been defined by more than birdies and bogeys.
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In 2023, at what many believed was the height of his young career, Kaewkanjana took an unexpected break from professional golf. Instead of heading to another tour stop or a training facility, he entered a Thai Buddhist monastery to be ordained as a monk—an ancient rite of passage for many Thai men.
“It was something I had always wanted to do,” Kaewkanjana shared in an interview earlier this year. “Golf is important, but so is understanding yourself. Spending time as a monk helped me reconnect with who I am—not just as a golfer, but as a person.”
During his months in the monastery, Kaewkanjana lived simply—shaved head, saffron robes, early morning alms rounds, and long hours of meditation. There was no golf, no social media, no distractions. Just mindfulness, silence, and self-discipline.
The Monk’s Mind on the Course
This spiritual sabbatical, far from being a setback, may have been the greatest gift to his game. On the notoriously fickle links of Royal Portrush—where swirling winds, unpredictable bounces, and punishing rough challenge even the most seasoned players—Kaewkanjana has shown a composure that seems almost superhuman.
“Links golf is like meditation,” Kaewkanjana explained after his second-round 68, which propelled him into serious contention. “You can’t control everything. You have to accept each moment and move on. That’s what I learned in the temple.”
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Golf, at its core, is a mental game. Players must remain focused for hours, block out distractions, and recover from mistakes without allowing frustration to cloud judgment. For Kaewkanjana, who spent months practicing Vipassana meditation—observing his thoughts, breathing, and bodily sensations with non-judgmental awareness—these challenges are familiar territory.
His caddie, Somchai Noppakun, says Kaewkanjana’s mindset is different from most pros. “He never panics,” Somchai says. “If he makes a bogey, he just smiles and walks on. He believes in karma and impermanence. That helps a lot when the wind is howling and the ball bounces sideways.”
A Symbol of Thai Golf’s Rise
While players like Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Jazz Janewattananond have previously carried the Thai flag in major tournaments, Kaewkanjana is quickly becoming the face of Thailand’s new golf generation.
His tied-11th finish at St. Andrews in 2022 marked a turning point—not just for him, but for Thai golf. It was the best-ever performance by a Thai at The Open, and it turned heads across the global golf community. He was calm, confident, and consistent—all traits that have only deepened since his spiritual retreat.
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His presence at Royal Portrush this year is more than a personal comeback—it represents the global reach of golf and its ability to merge with diverse cultural and spiritual traditions.
The Road Ahead
With 36 holes remaining in the championship, Kaewkanjana remains focused yet grounded. Asked if he dreams of hoisting the Claret Jug, he offers a typically Zen response.
“Winning is good,” he says with a laugh, “but it’s just one part of the journey. If I play with mindfulness, with full presence, then I’ve already succeeded.”
He adds that his goal is to inspire more young Thais to believe in their potential—both on the course and off. “You don’t have to follow just one path. You can be an athlete, a monk, a student, whatever you want. What matters is being true to yourself.”
Whether or not he emerges as the Champion Golfer of the Year this Sunday, Kaewkanjana has already won the hearts of many with his unique story and humble spirit.
A Unique Athlete for a Modern Era
In a world where professional athletes are often defined by their endorsements, media presence, and social media metrics, Kaewkanjana offers a refreshing counterpoint. He’s not concerned with fame or fortune. His priorities lie in peace, purpose, and presence.
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“I don’t play to prove anything,” he says. “I play because I love the game. And because golf, like meditation, teaches you to grow.”
Even competitors have taken notice. Several have remarked on his stillness before shots, his slow breathing routines, and the calm with which he handles adversity.
“Sadom’s like a rock,” said one top-10 PGA Tour player. “You can tell something’s different about him. You feel it when you’re paired with him. He’s got this presence.”
The Final Test Awaits
With the weekend rounds set to bring tougher weather and greater pressure, Kaewkanjana knows the challenge ahead. But if the past two years have taught him anything, it’s this: success is not measured only by trophies, but by the journey one takes to get there.
As he prepares to tee off in the third round, thousands of fans will watch with admiration—and perhaps even a little awe. Not just at his shot-making, but at the serene smile that rarely leaves his face.
For Sadom Kaewkanjana, golf is not just a game. It’s a path—a spiritual one, marked by discipline, humility, and the quiet strength of a still mind
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