Sadom Kaewkanjana is literally on a roll at The Open.

Having made headlines in the game’s oldest Major by tying for 11^th in 2022, when it was played at St Andrews, he is once again in contention following an outstanding three-under-par 68 in the first round at Royal Portrush Golf Club on Thursday.

The 27-year-old [main picture] is in a tie for sixth place but just one shot behind the leading pack, which includes China’s Li Hoatong.

Sadom rolled in a mammoth 40-foot putt for a birdie on the par-three 16^th – which was followed by a huge roar from the large gallery.

Sadom Kaewkanjana is playing in just his second Open. Picture by Alex Pantling/R&A/R&A via Getty Images.

The Thai star made the perfect start by going out in three-under. He made a birdie on the second before he became the first player this week to eagle the par-four fifth, where he reached the green from the tee and drained a 20 footer.

He dropped his only shot of the day on 11 before countering that with his stunning putt on 16.

Sadom’s performance three years ago was the best ever result by a Thai golfer in The Open.

He is now on course to better that finish this weekend, especially after a confidence boosting win in another Open two months ago.

In May he claimed the Kolon Korea Open for his third title on Asian Tour but first in three years. His victory was one of the most impressive of the season so far as the golf club, La Vie Est Belle (Dunes Course), was set up like a US Open venue. Overseas players winning in the Land of Morning Calm is also a rarity.

His win in Korea is also the reason why he is playing in The Open, as the tournament is part of this year’s Open Qualifying Series.