A Buddhist Monk Who Plays Golf! Meet Thailand's 27-year-old Sadom Kaewkanjana Who Is Making Waves At The British Open
The 2025 Open Championship is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions not just because of the leaderboard but due to Thai golfer Sadom Kaewkanjana. Currently sitting inside the top 10 at Royal Portrush, the 27-year-old is making headlines not only for his on-course performance but also for the deeply spiritual journey that brought him here.
From the Monastery to the Major
In 2023, Kaewkanjana made an unusual decision of stepping away from the sport to become an ordained Buddhist monk. He explained, “I was ordained because I wanted to return the greatest merit and repay my parents,” he said. During his time in the monastery, he was completely detached from modern life. “I was cut off from the rest of the world. That made me feel more calm. I was able to concentrate more, which will help me improve my game of golf.”
His time in spiritual retreat appears to have paid off. Not only has it brought him personal clarity, but it has also translated into a renewed focus on the course.
Rise to The Open Spotlight
Kaewkanjana earned his place at the 2025 Open by winning the Kolon Korea Open in May, part of the prestigious Open Qualifying Series. Despite flying under the radar due to his No. 262 ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), his performance has spoken louder than any number can.
This isn’t his first time on a major stage, either. He made a splash at St. Andrews in 2022, finishing tied for 11th the best-ever British Open result by a Thai golfer. He has also qualified for two PGA Championships through his OWGR, which once reached as high as No. 75.
More Than Just a Golfer
Kaewkanjana plays on the Asian Tour, where he’s already a two-time winner, and he holds 10 professional victories in total, including five on the Thailand Golf Tour. Sadom Kaewkanjana’s story is already one for the ages. A top-10 finish at The Open would significantly boost his global ranking and potentially reshape the course of his career.
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