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Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who Is Sadom Kaewkanjana? Thai Buddhist Monk Turned British Open Contender
(Image Source - Getty Images) Sadom Kaewkanjana has turned into a surprising competitor at the 2025 British Open. This 27-year-old from Thailand, who is both a pro golfer and an ordained Buddhist monk, amazed the crowd at Royal Portrush with a nearly perfect first round, carding a 3-under 68 and sitting just one stroke away from the clubhouse lead. His story is from a Buddhist monastery to the golf leaderboard of the oldest championship and is as extraordinary as his performance. Sadom Kaewkanjana becomes the first Thai golfer to finish T-11 at the British Open Sadom Kaewkanjana stands out as a golfer. Originating from Thailand, he has established a strong presence on the Asian Tour and Thailand Golf Tour, securing three and five victories respectively. His impressive performance brought him a career-high world ranking of 75th, allowing him to compete in major championships such as the PGA Championship in 2022 and 2023. Yet, it was his debut at the British Open in 2022 that truly made waves. At St. Andrews, the iconic home of golf, tied for 11th place setting a record for the best finish by a Thai player in the tournament's history. Kaewkanjana stands out because of his time spent as a Buddhist monk. In 2023, he took a two-week hiatus from golf to get ordained, something many Thai men in their 20s do. During this time, he resided in a monastery, where he meditated, absorbed Buddhist teachings, and contributed to his community. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Update: The Strategy Uses By Successful Intraday Trader TradeWise Learn More Undo 'I was ordained because I wanted to return the greatest merit and repay my parents,' he said, reflecting a deep cultural tradition. Isolated from everything during his ordination, Kaewkanjana discovered a deeper sense of tranquility. 'That made me feel more calm. I was able to concentrate more, which will help me improve my game of golf,' he told reporters in an interview following his monkhood. Sadom Kaewkanjana was cut from the PGA twice but came back stronger Before becoming a monk, Sadom Kaewkanjana was already making waves in the golf scene. His 11th-place finish at St. Andrews in 2022 showed he could hold his own against the top players, even with not much experience on links courses. He also qualified for the PGA Championship in both 2022 and 2023, although he didn't make the cut in either tournament. Regardless, these experiences helped cement his reputation as one of Thailand's leading golfers. His decision to become a monk in 2023 wasn't a retreat from golf but a step toward enhancing it. 'Being a monk was helping me concentrate on the golf course and improve my focus,' He talked to reporters after his first round at Royal Portrush. The meditation techniques he used staying in the moment and releasing distractions—reflect the mental challenges of golf, particularly when facing the pressure of a major tournament. During the same tournament, Jon Rahm was clearly annoyed and even snapped at a fan for whistling while he was about to hit. In contrast, Kaewkanjana kept his cool, his calm demeanor really setting him apart from the rest. Kaewkanjana has a chance to make history once again in a few rounds remaining in the 2025 British Open. A good ending may see his world ranking improve and he may emerge as one of the big guns. Also Read: Jon Rahm confronts whistling fan after tee shot goes wrong on brutal 11th hole at The Open His achievements would also boost the status of golf in Thailand, attracting more interests and funds. The other golfers of the world will also be on the edge of their seats, as he goes after the Claret Jug, as they are fascinated whether this monk-turned-golfer will come up with a splash with every swing of his club. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
New York Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Buddhist monk Sadom Kaewkanjana in early contention at British Open
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana holds a fascinating distinction at this week's British Open. No, not being one of the players at 3-under par and one shot out of the lead after the first round of the British Open. The 27-year-old Kaewkanjana is the only Buddhist monk in the field this week. Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the British Open on July 17, 2025. Getty Images He took a short hiatus from professional golf in 2023 to live as a Buddhist monk and practice meditation before returning to the game. Before the hiatus, he won twice on the Asian Tour and finished 11th at the 2022 British Open at St. Andrews. 'I was ordained because I wanted to return the greatest merit and repay my parents,' he said in a 2023 interview. '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.' Kaewkanjana, who's ranked 262nd in the world, qualified for the Open by winning the Kolon Korea Open in May, part of the Open Qualifying Series. Sadom Kaewkanjana places his ball on the 18th green during the first round of the British Open on July 17, 2025. AFP via Getty Images 'It's my responsibility in Thailand, so I think it's a new experience being a monk,' he said Thursday. 'They help like more concentrate on the golf course or outside the golf course. It's made me a lot of focus. Forget everything outside, just live in the present. So, I really enjoy being a monk.' Now he's enjoying being in contention at the Open entering Friday's second round. Asked what he's looking forward to the rest of the week, he said, 'Very excited to play and very excited to watch the top players play in the same conditions, same golf course, and learn how to play like them. 'My goal is I want to play in the Masters my whole life. I want to play one time. So, to get in the world ranking into the top 50, that's my goal.'
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
The Open: Rory McIlroy moving along nicely as Shane Lowry signs off with a 70 at Royal Portrush
We will bring you all the action from the course all week as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry lead the Irish challenge. Key updates Pivotal point in Rory's week already? The Open Guinness tracker: Where's the cheapest pint in Portrush this week? Darren Clarke on shooting a 75: 'Maybe I should have spent more time in the Harbour Bar!' Round one tee times 2 minutes ago Gareth Hanna Hold up on hole seven A long wait as three groups are all on the par five seventh at once. Never does anybody any good, that. And Rory hits it left. It's thick and lying down with some thick stuff folding in around it. Won't be getting up in two but that did him a favour on the second. Fleetwood and JT are all good so could go for it in two 6 minutes ago Adam McKendry The joy of The Open Sadom Kaewkanjana is 262nd in the world rankings. Sadom Kaewkanjana has never played at a level higher than the Asian Tour. Sadom Kaewkanjana has played in just one event since May and missed the cut in it. Sadom Kaewkanjana is currently one shot off the lead at The Open Championship after parring the last for a three-under-par 68, the same score as the World No.1. Because golf. 17 minutes ago Adam McKendry Keep your Hatton Tyrrell Hatton, who has finished in the top-10 of a Major twice in the last two years, is threatening again as he has an eagle putt on the par-five seventh to take a share of the lead... no. It stays short but it's a tap-in for birdie and the Englishman makes it another LIV player in the mix as he moves one shot back of the lead trio. All of a sudden the leaderboard is becoming quite bunched, to the extent that -1 is tied-19th. 18 minutes ago Gareth Hanna Sad news to report I regret to inform you that somebody shouted 'GET IN THE HOOOOLE' after Rory hit his putt. A dark day for Irish golf. 19 minutes ago Gareth Hanna Rory had that, you know Par at the par three 6th for McIlroy as his birdie putt stops a foot short. Looked like it was going in if it had been hit. Almost a super two from Fleetwood as his curling putt the length of the green lips out at the back edge after a lovely punched approach. Thomas shortsided himself off the tee - his chip was as good as was possible up the slope but his 20 footer stops short. McIlroy: -1 Thomas: E Fleetwood: +2 28 minutes ago Adam McKendry Three-way tie at the top Just as soon as Aaron Rai moved up to the top, he's back down into fourth once more as he bogeys the par-four ninth, so he drops back to -3 and Olesen, Li and Fitzpatrick are the leaders again. Harris English, meanwhile, birdies the first, second and fourth to get to -3 thru four. Great start for him, as it is for Maverick McNealy, who has birdied three of his last four holes to reach -3 thru seven. 30 minutes ago Gareth Hanna ROOOOAARRRYYYY 'It's an unexpected birdie, coming back from a mistake like that.' So says the fan behind me, who should be a commentator, as Rory rails it up the slope and in the middle door. No such luck for Tommy whose bunker trouble has yielded successive bogeys. After 5 it's: McIlroy: -1 Thomas: -1 Fleetwood: +2 34 minutes ago Gareth Hanna 'It's no good there - we've been standing three hours waiting' You've got to feel for the fans who think they're in perfect place only for a TV camera to get plonked in front of them. To be fair the fan and the camera man in this case have an amicable discussion and the cameraman pops off again before the group takes to the green. A win for humanity. 36 minutes ago Adam McKendry Scottie Scheffler following his 68: 'The margins are so small out here' His round: Felt like I hit the ball nice off the tee and really only had one swing I wasn't too happy with on maybe the 2nd hole but, outside of that, I felt like I hit a lot of good tee shots, hit the ball really solid, so definitely a good bit of confidence for the next couple rounds." Playing in the rain:"I felt like No.7 is a good example. Without the rain, where the wind direction was for us to start the day would have been a little down off the left and basically you can eliminate that one bunker, that big giant bunker on the right side of the fairway, and all of a sudden it starts raining sideways, the ball doesn't go as far, and now you can still run into that left bunker but you can't carry the right bunker, and instead of hitting driver and 4-iron, right now it's driver and 3-wood. Just little stuff like that makes it really challenging. Then we get to No.12 and I hit what was a really good tee shot there that just happened to kick a little bit right and go into the bunker. The margins out here are just really small. Sometimes the rain can make that pretty challenging." 40 minutes ago Gareth Hanna No risk/reward for Rory on 5 Takes the iron off the tee but absolutely minces it. It's nearly on the green. JT in fairway and Fleetwood in the right bunker, from where his attempted escape catches the lip and sticks. Gutting. It's a poor chip from Rory too - was always short and trickles back down the slope in front of the pin to 20 foot away. No such issue for Justin Thomas, who damn near holes it. Lip out and a tap-in birdie coming up for him to go under par. 46 minutes ago Adam McKendry We have a new co-leader Back-to-back birdies at the seventh and eighth and Aaron Rai - who, bizarrely, wears two gloves which I just find fascinating - is in a share for the lead before he's even played half of his first round. Could he be on for a low one? Sadom Kaewkanjana, still the only man to eagle the par-four fifth, is also back up into the mix as he birdies Calamity and is up to -3 with two holes of his round to play. Adam McKendry Jon Rahm on an eventful 70: 'I feel confident' His round:"Played good golf. If anything, I wish I could have played the easier holes, the first five, with the wind today and taken a little more advantage of that. I had a couple good looks. Pars out here are never going to hurt you, and those holes starting on eight thru 12 for the most part, all of them into the wind, are just difficult holes, a difficult stretch of the course where if you can somehow manage to make pars it's great. But overall, yeah, I'm very happy with the round. I'll take the score. I feel confident. Hopefully I can hit a few better shots off the tee. With the rain it's always tough to say, I feel like I was making good swings but water gets between the ball and the club and it can go anywhere. But I'd like those good swings to somehow produce the shot that I like to see. But besides that, a really good day." On the incident where a fan whistled during his tee shot on the 11th:"If I were to paint a picture, you have the hardest tee shot on the course, raining, into the wind off the left, it's enough. I know they're not doing it on purpose, it just seemed like somebody trying to get a hold of someone for whatever it is. It was bad timing. I think I just used the moment to let out any tension I had in me. To be honest, it probably didn't affect as much as I made it sound like. It was a bad swing as well. Just a difficult hole. I mean, it's frustrating, but it is what it is. It's an everyday thing in golf." 51 minutes ago No dramas after all Rory's two putt par is converted and JT gets up and down while Fleetwood finishes out what had seemed an inevitable bogey since his bunker situ. Today 11:15 AM Adam McKendry F***y-n**e watch? The more benign and dry conditions this afternoon have lent themselves to some better scoring, with Lucas Glover having the dream start by picking up a rare birdie at the par-five first and then backing it up with an eagle at the par-five second to move three-under for his first two holes! Is it too early to start a 59 watch?! England's Aaron Rai is also up to three-under he's birdied three of his first seven holes and he's bidding to hit the top, too. He'd be a popular winner in Northern Ireland after nearly winning the Irish Open at Galgorm. Today 11:12 AM Gareth Hanna 'How many shots penalty to drop it out?' Fleetwood's ball was in such a bad spot on the pot bunker, his caddie was considering dropping it. But on the confirmation of his suspicions that it was a two shot penalty, Tommy hit it and did well to get it out. Today 11:09 AM Adam McKendry Matthew Fitzpatrick, co-leader after a 67: 'Sometimes you need a bit of luck' His round: "I just felt like I did everything well. Just drove it well, approach play was good, and chipped and putted well. It was just an all around good day." His slam-dunk hole-out birdie on 16: "A bit of luck obviously. Sometimes you need that. I thought I could play a bit aggressive after watching Foxy and Hideki leave them a bit short. Obviously it just came out a little bit harder than I anticipated and on the perfect line." Royal Portrush:"This tournament always has the best fans obviously, even more so probably over here as well. They just understand golf so well, and good shots are rewarded with lots of claps. So that was a good thing. I think this place is fantastic. I've been lucky enough to play multiple Open venues now over the course of my career. There's a couple that haven't been played for a while that I absolutely love as well. So it would be nice to go back to those two. I definitely think this is up there." Today 11:05 AM Gareth Hanna Oh it's thrills you want? How about this tee shot at the fourth snapped straight left as well? That's both drivers from Rory significantly left of the mark so far. Not a good spot, over there. Today 11:04 AM Adam McKendry You Bez believe it Strong start to the round for South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout as he rattles off three straight birdies at 5, 6 and 7 to move to three-under-par and one shot off the lead! Could he do something special? I was chatting to his father yesterday and he was bullish on his son's chances. I'm starting to believe him. Today 11:02 AM Gareth Hanna Boring pars at the third Pitch. Putt. Putt. Rory, JT, Tommy all stay level. A bit monotony never hurt anyone after those first two. Today 11:00 AM Adam McKendry Shane and Scottie The marquee morning group are finished and it's a good day for Scottie Scheffler, who almost ties the lead with a long-range putt on the 18th but sees it slide just right of the hole and instead has to settle for a par and a three-under 68, which leaves him one shot off the lead. And it is also a good day for Shane Lowry, a one-under 70 a solid day's work that has him still very much in contention after three birdies and two bogeys! The '2019 defence' off to a good start. Not so good for Collin Morikawa, though. Five bogeys, four of which came in his final 10 holes, and just one birdie means it's a +4 start for the 2021 champion. Today 10:55 AM Adam McKendry Holey moley As Rory McIlroy and co. head for the par-three third, let's check in on which holes are giving the players the most grief and which are providing birdie opportunities. The toughest holes 1. 11th (+0.47) 2. 4th (+0.36) 3. 9th (+0.35) 4. 18th (+0.30) 5. 1st (+0.28) The easiest holes 1. 5th (-0.26) 2. 12th (-0.25) 3. 7th (-0.18) 4. 2nd (-0.15) 5. 6th (+0.04)
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
How pro golfer went from ordained Buddhist monk to British Open contender
Meet the Buddhist monk who's contending @TheOpen ⬇️Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana took a short hiatus from professional golf in 2023 to live as a Buddhist monk and practice won twice on the Asian Tour and finished 11th at the 2022 Open at St. Andrews before… If you woke up on Thursday morning and wondered who the Thai golfer was near the top of the 2025 British Open leaderboard, you weren't alone. But there are some amazing facts about Sadom Kaewkanjana, who started off the first round at Royal Portrush with some low numbers. It turns out that he's not the only golfer at The Open with an amazing backstory. Kaewkanjana has won three times on the Asian Tour and five times on the Thailand Golf Tour. He played in two PGA Championships and didn't make the cut. And he was T11 at the British Open in 2022. But the bigger story here is that he's an ordained Buddhist monk. From NBC Sports: The 27-year-old Thai took a hiatus from golf in 2023 to live as a Buddhist monk and practice mediation, saying then, 'I was ordained because I wanted to return the greatest merit and repay my parents.' 'I was cut off from the rest of the world when I was ordained,' he added. 'That made me feel more calm. I was able to concentrate more, which will help me improve my game of golf.' That's amazing.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Ryan Peake: The convicted ex-bike gang member playing at The Open
As the 2025 Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush this week, few of the players taking to the Dunluce Course will have had as tumultuous a few years as Ryan Peake. The 32-year-old Australian arrives in Northern Ireland for his first appearance at The Open, after a decade that has involved a conviction, a prison sentence, a return to professional golf and, most recently, a maiden win in the Asian Tour. When The Open was last held at Royal Portrush in 2019, Peake had just completed a five-year prison sentence for serious assault, for an incident that began with someone making "threats towards us". 'We just went to deal with it, and honestly, it wasn't meant to happen like that," Peake recalled. "It just happened to be that the threats he threatened us with were true. He was armed and it escalated from there,' he explained. Fast forward to 2025 and Peake landed an eight-foot par putt to win the New Zealand Open in March, a win that also gave him a spot at Royal Portrush this year. Having originally turned professional in 2012, aged 19, Peake drifted away from the game and eventually joined the Rebels, an outlawed motorcycle gang, at the age of 21. While in prison, he was contacted by Ritchie Smith, an experienced Australian coach, who believed there was a way back into golf for Peake upon his release. "I obviously didn't believe it at the start, but like he says, he did," said Peake, reports the BBC. "And, you know, he coaches major winners. He coaches the world's best' he added, explaining his reasons for giving it a go. 'I've had great support networks that have always helped me. And this time I took the advice that they were giving me and followed the path they were trying to pave for me,' he explained. Peake turned professional again in 2022, and got his maiden tour win in New Zealand before finishing second in the Australasian Tour Order of Merit to guarantee himself DP World Tour membership for 2026. He's received plenty of attention in the lead up to the action at Royal Portrush, though he is happy to talk about it all, explaining that 'it's my life, it's my story. I've owned it'. "I'm not trying to be a role model, be someone's superhero, anything like that. "I'm just basically living the best life I can, and whatever people see from that, that's what they see,' he added. When asked what his hopes are ahead of his first major, Peake said: "Obviously, I want to make the cut. My expectations are basically I just want to be able to get on that first tee and feel myself and just play my golf," he said. "Just play my game and be within myself and the result will be what it will be. I don't want to get caught up in anything, I just want to play my golf, I just want to be free. If I can do that, I won't have to worry about the result.'
