Thailand’s Poom Saksansin delivered a remarkable performance in the third round of the 2025 Kolon Korea Open, taking the solo lead at the prestigious event held at the challenging La Vie Est Belle Dunes Course. Known for his precision rather than power, Poom shot a two-under-par 69 to move to seven-under-par overall, proving that short game and accuracy can triumph over distance on one of the toughest golf courses of the season.
Despite being the shortest driver in the field, averaging just 250.67 yards off the tee, Poom’s exceptional putting and steady nerves helped him edge ahead. He made three birdies and just one bogey, with clutch par saves on the 15th and 16th holes—both from around 12 feet. On the final hole, after finding a greenside bunker and facing a difficult 46-yard shot, he calmly splashed out to within a foot and tapped in for par.
“This round was all about good up-and-downs,” said Poom, whose last win came at the 2023 Yeangder TPC. “I putted better than I expected. My shots weren’t as strong—I think I got a little nervous because of my position, and my swing wasn’t consistent.”
The Kolon Korea Open is part of the Open Qualifying Series, meaning the winner will also earn a spot in The Open Championship, one of golf’s most prestigious majors. However, Poom remains focused on the task at hand. “To win this would be big enough—winning alone is already a huge deal,” he added.
Just one stroke behind is fellow Thai Sadom Kaewkanjana, who also carded a 69. Sadom, whose last victory came at the SMBC Singapore Open in 2020, is looking to end his title drought. “I played with Poom today and will again tomorrow. He played so well—his short game and putting were incredible. It’s always fun to compete with him,” said Sadom, who finished tied for 11th in The Open 2022.
Overnight leader Songgyu Yoo of South Korea is now two shots back in third place. Yoo had a solid round going until a triple bogey on the par-five 16th derailed his momentum. “I hit it into the penalty area. It was a miss—I was going for the green and it didn’t work out,” he explained.
Korea’s Yunseok Kang is in fourth place after shooting a 68, while Giwhan Kim is in fifth following a 72. Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent also posted a 72 and is part of a group sitting six shots behind the leader.
As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on Poom Saksansin, who is aiming for his fifth career title on the Asian Tour and a coveted spot at The Open 2025.
About Asian Tour
The Asian Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region and is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours. The Tour is an affiliate of The R&A and all sanctioned events qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points.
The Tour, which was launched in 2004, is responsible for looking after the best interests of over 350 members, representing 35 countries managing a year-long schedule of events across five continents.
In 2022, The International Series was created – thanks to an exciting new partnership with LIV Golf – which saw the introduction of 10 elevated events to the Asian Tour schedule that provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League.
The Tour controls its television production and distribution through Asian Tour Media (a joint venture with IMG) which delivers live coverage to more than one billion households worldwide.
The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour providing a pathway for the leading players to the Asian Tour.
The Asian Tour eco-system also includes the Qualifying School which attracts over 650 entrants vying for 35 cards on the Asian Tour for the following season.
In 2018, it set up Asian Tour Destinations – an affiliate network with exclusive, world-class golfing venues across the region.
The Tour is headquartered on Sentosa Island in Singapore, home to the award winning Sentosa Golf Club – a member of Asian Tour Destinations.
