Sadom Kaewkanjana is hoping his first trip to Japan in three years for this week’s Asia Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup, at Oarai Golf Club near Tokyo, will help him recapture the eye-catching form that brought him so much success last season.
The Thai golfer won the SMBC Singapore Open in January to end what was a sensational season, that also saw him triumph five times on Thailand’s domestic circuits, including the Thailand Open. He also finished runner-up in the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship in November – the Asian Tour’s first event back after a two-year COVID-19 enforced break.
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His early season form has shown promise, but he is aiming to shift gear this week, especially as he tied for 13th in the 2019 edition of the Asia Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup, although it was played at Sobu Country Club that year.
“Personally, I really like this country, it’s very inspirational,” said the 23 year old.
“I love to play golf in Japan because of the great way you feel on the course and off the course.”
He’s been in Japan since last Thursday to allow for quarantine procedures, which is three days in Japan without the appropriate vaccine documentation.
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“Arriving early means I have more time prepare as well. Golf courses in Japan are unique as the fairways are narrow and the greens small, which is different from many countries in Asia. You really need to carefully plan every shot.”
The rising star has a busy year ahead playing in Asia and beyond as by virtue of his second place finish on last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit he has been invited to play in the LIV Golf Invitational tournaments. He has also been invited to play in next week’s PGA Championship – which will mark his maiden appearance in a Major.
He added: “It’s going to be an amazing year. Right now, my main goal is to play on the Asian Tour and in the LIV Golf Invitational events this year, and maybe I will qualify for another Tour in the end of the year as well.”
The Thai golfer is also excited to be heading to the International Series England in June.
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“This will be my first time playing in Europe as a professional. However, I played in Europe many times when I was an amateur. I will have to prepare myself to be ready for the weather that is different from the Asia. My plan is just to go out and do my best, not expect too much about the outcome and enjoy new experiences there.”
This week’s event is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation and features the leading players from both circuits, as well as 20 of the region’s outstanding amateur prospects.
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Further kudos is added by the fact that the winner will be rewarded with an exemption into July’s 150th Open Championship at St Andrews.
