GOLF star Sadom Kaewkanjana is hoping to continue his winning habit – after taking time out to become a MONK.

The 27-year-old from Thailand took time away from the sport to become ordained as a Buddhist monk and practice meditation.

His win at Kolon Korea Open earned him a place at Royal Portrush.

And he seized the chance with an opening round of 68 to lie at -3.

Kaewkanjana said: “Being a monk helps me with my concentration, both on the golf course and away from the golf course.

“It has made me focus.

“I forget everything on the outside, just live in the present, just stay in my mind.

“I really enjoy being a monk.”

His Zen-like focus was put to the test in testing conditions at The Open on Thursday.

But he fared better than many of the biggest names in the sport such as Jon Rahm (-1), Xander Schauffele (E) and Bryson DeChambeau (+7).

Kaewkanjana has ten professional wins in Asia, and admitted he has never experienced anything like Portrush.

He said: “We have no links courses so it’s a new experience for me.

“I really enjoy playing a links golf course.

“It’s fun to play with a windy course and tough conditions.”