There isn’t a golfer in the field at the 153rd Open Championship who wouldn’t gladly accept some divine inspiration in a bid to get their hands on the Claret Jug. Report by Spencer Robinson, Asian Tour contributor, at Royal Portrush.

In that department, Sadom Kaewkanjana may perhaps enjoy a greater advantage than any of his fellow-competitors in the 156-strong starting line-up at Royal Portrush Golf Club this week.

The 27-year-old Thai was a study in serenity as he soared high with a composed opening three-under-par 68 on Thursday.

It was a typically calm and unflustered performance from the former Asian Tour Rookie of the Year – and one that captured the attention of the world’s golfing media, intrigued at the participation of an ordained Buddhist monk.

It was in 2023 that Sadom took time out from playing golf to practice meditation. By his own admission, that experience has helped him in a golfing career that has already brought him three victories on the Asian Tour to sit alongside multiple All Thailand Golf Tour triumphs.

Riki Kawamoto and Sadom Kaewkanjana shake hands after finishing round one. Picture by Warren Little/Getty Images.

It was entirely fitting that Sadom’s first taste of international stardom should have come in the 150th edition of The Open at St Andrews, the spiritual Home of Golf.

Making his Open Championship debut there in 2022, Sadom fired a closing 65 to claim a share of 11th place, the best performance from a Thai golfer at the world’s eldest championship.

Following his fast start at Portrush, it would be easy for Sadom to get ahead of himself and contemplate an even higher finish or, whisper it softly, a run at becoming Thailand’s first Major champion.

The player himself, of course, takes all this in his stride, pointing to the extra responsibility that goes with his Buddhist beliefs.

He said: “It’s my responsibility in Thailand. Being a monk helps me concentrate more on the golf course and outside the golf course. It’s helped me focus a lot better – to forget everything outside, just live in the present.”

Due to tee-off in the final flight on day two here at 4.16 pm local time, some 24 hours after the completion of his first round, Sadom will have had plenty of time to ponder on what the golfing Gods may have in store for him in the coming days.

Not that there’s the slightest chance of him allowing his mind to wander too far into the future.

In 2023 Sadom took time out from playing golf to practice meditation.

He said: “I’m just 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.

“When I play links course, it’s a new experience for me. I really enjoy it. It’s fun to play with a windy course and tough conditions.”

While he would not dream of downplaying the attraction of a higher calling, he acknowledges that there are further golfing ambitions to address before looking to a career beyond golf and fully dedicating himself to Buddhism.

“My goal is to play in the Masters. I want to play (there) one time. So, to get in the top-50 in the world ranking, that’s my goal,” said Sadom.

Currently 262nd in the standings that are widely used to determine a player’s prospects of appearing in the Majors, there’s still a long way for Sadom to go. A strong showing over the final 54 holes at Portrush would certainly help. No doubt a little divine intervention along the way would not go amiss.