Meet the Ordained Monk in Contention at The Open

An ordained Monk playing professional golf? I don’t know if I’ve ever heard that before, but it’s one of the coolest things ever.

Sadom Kaewkanjana played some fantastic golf on Thursday, shooting an opening-round 3-under 68 around Royal Portrush, and when he signed his card, he was in a tie for sixth at the 153rd Open. If that isn’t #TheGoodStuff, I don’t know what is.

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Kaewkanjana is a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, and is playing in just his second Open. Three years ago, the 27-year-old played in the 150th edition at St. Andrews and used a final-round 65 to finish in a tie for 11th. Not a bad way to make your debut.

After a birdie on the par-5 second Thursday, Kaewkanjana’s highlight of the day came at the par-4 fifth when his tee shot found the putting surface and he drained a 24-footer for eagle. He made the turn in 3-under 33, and played the back nine in even par to finish off his 68.

“Honestly, I play in my country, have no like links course before,” Kaewkanjana told the media after signing his card. “So when I play links course, it's a new experience for me. I really enjoy to play a links course. It's fun to play with a windy course and tough conditions. So very enjoy to play on a links course.”

As for how his Monk teachings help him on the golf course, he says it’s all about focus.

“Yeah, it's my responsibility in Thailand, so I think it's a new experience being a Monk,” he said. “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.

“Stay in the present, just stay in my mind.”

For those who play it, golf is a spiritual game. Whether you’re looking to relax, settle anxiety, or just enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family, golf can be a cure for so many things. This mindset is so beneficial for this sport, especially at the professional level.

I hope Kaewkanjana stays in the conversation over the next three days, I think we could all benefit from hearing more from him.