Sadom Serves up Perfect St Andrews Finale

St Andrews, Scotland: Inspired by the presence of Thongchai Jaidee behind the ropes, Sadom Kaewkanjana produced the round of his life to set the seal on a memorable week at the 150th Open Championship.

With his idol looking on approvingly, 24-year-old Sadom posted a closing seven-under-par 65 around the fabled Old Course.

Striding to the scoring hut as Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland prepared to tee-off, Sadom glanced up at the giant leaderboard alongside the 18th fairway. He almost had to pinch himself when he saw he was tied for fourth on 11-under.

“I played very well today. Everything was perfect,” said Sadom, a four-time participant in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship whose victory in January’s SMBC Singapore Open propelled him to second place on last season’s Asian Tour Order of Merit – and secured him his starting spot at the home of golf this week.

He grasped the opportunity with both hands, announcing his arrival on the world stage with rounds of 71 and 67. The disappointment of a third-day 74 served only to motivate him to finish strongly.

He was also spurred on by words of encouragement from Asian Tour legend Thongchai, who is in Scotland to compete in next week’s Senior Open Championship at Gleneagles.

“Thongchai has always been my idol. He gave me some great advice before the round and followed me around which inspired me,” said Sadom, who, nonetheless, was hoping his performance would be good enough to surpass Thongchai’s tied 13th finish at Turnberry in 2009, the best previous Open effort by a Thai.

Thongchai certainly would not begrudge his young compatriot that honour after watching him roll home six birdie putts and a 32-footer for an eagle-three at the long fifth.

The only blemish on Sadom’s card was a bogey-five at 17 where he left himself an awkward third shot from behind the famous Road Hole bunker and narrowly failed to get up-and-down.

“I like the course and I just felt very relaxed. All parts of my game were good, especially my putting, unlike yesterday when the pin locations made it very difficult.

“I’m happy if I can make Thai people proud,” added Sadom, whose only previous Major appearance came in May’s US PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Oklahoma, where he missed the cut.

As well as having Thongchai cheering him on, Sadom was delighted to be accompanied by his father. “My dad introduced me to golf when I was three years old. It’s special that he’s been here at St Andrews with me.”

Based on his strong showing here, Sadom is likely to break into the top-100 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time.

Before returning to Asian Tour action, Sadom will be heading Sateside for LIV Golf’s third event at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.

“I’m looking forward to it. Playing well in Scotland has given me more confidence,” he said.