Thai golfer Sadom Kaewkanjana clinched a dramatic victory at the Korea Open, securing his third career Asian Tour title in a roller-coaster final round that saw the lead change hands multiple times. The emotional win not only propels Sadom to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit standings but also cements his status as one of Thailand’s leading talents on the global golfing stage.

A Hard-Fought Victory

Sadom’s triumph came after a gripping battle with fellow Thai golfer Poom Saksansin, who started the final round with a one-shot lead. The turning point arrived at the par-4 14th hole, where Poom faltered with a bogey, followed by another on the 15th, allowing Sadom to seize control. Holding firm over the final holes, Sadom closed out the victory with a performance that showcased both resilience and precision. “This is one of the biggest events in the region. It’s a big honour to win here” said an emotional Sadom. “I really focused today. More than the past three days. I’m just so happy.”

The win marks Sadom’s first title since the 2022 Singapore Open and adds to his earlier victory at the 2019 Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open. It also places him among an elite group of Thai golfers, as he becomes only the third from his country to lift the Korea Open trophy, following in the footsteps of legends Thongchai Jaidee in 2000 and Jazz Janewattananond in 2019.

A Rivalry That Fuels Success

The final round was a testament to the competitive spirit between Sadom and Poom, whose camaraderie on the course added a unique layer to the contest. Sadom started the day one shot behind but stumbled with a bogey on the opening hole, while Poom’s double-bogey on the second pulled them level. Birdies at the third and seventh briefly gave Sadom the edge, only for Poom to respond each time. “Playing with a Thai friend like Poom helps me a lot. He’s such a good player, especially with the putter and short game” said Sadom. “I’ve changed my swing recently, and I feel I can really trust it now.”

For Poom, the day ended in bittersweet fashion. Despite a valiant effort and a second-place finish that secured his tour card, personal tragedy overshadowed the result. “It was a tough day, but second place isn’t bad — and I’ve secured my card” Poom said quietly. “But I received some bad news from home. So, the result doesn’t really matter now.”

A Milestone for Thai Golf

Sadom’s victory is more than just a personal achievement; it represents a significant moment for Thai golf on the international stage. His return to The Open, following an impressive tie for 11th place at St. Andrews in 2022 — the best-ever finish by a Thai golfer in a Major Championship — carries added meaning. This latest win reaffirms his potential to compete at the highest levels and inspires a new generation of golfers in Thailand, where the sport continues to gain popularity.

Topping the Asian Tour Order of Merit standings, Sadom overtakes Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz and American Ollie Schniederjans, positioning himself as a frontrunner for further accolades this season. His performance also highlights the growing influence of Asian golfers in a sport historically dominated by Western players, with competitors like Korea’s Songgyu Yoo, who finished third, and Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, who tied for fourth with a stunning round of 64, showcasing the region’s depth of talent.

Looking Ahead on the Asian Tour

As Sadom basks in the glow of his Korea Open victory, the Asian Tour moves forward with the US$2 million International Series Morocco, scheduled for July 3-6 at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. This event offers another opportunity for Sadom to build on his momentum and solidify his lead in the standings. For fans of Thai golf, his journey serves as a reminder of the grit and determination that define the sport in the region.

Meanwhile, questions linger about how Sadom’s recent swing adjustments will hold up under the pressures of upcoming tournaments. As he continues to refine his game, his ability to maintain focus and consistency could well determine whether this victory marks the start of a dominant run on the Asian Tour.