Thailand’s Poom Saksansin, despite being one of the shortest hitters on one of the longest and most challenging courses this season, showcased that power isn’t everything by taking the lead after the third round of the Kolon Korea Open at the Dunes Course, La Vie Est Belle golf club.
Poom, who has won four times on the Asian Tour, shot a solid two-under-par 69, largely thanks to his excellent putting, and now leads by one stroke at seven under par, positioning himself for an unexpected victory.
His fellow Thai, Sadom Kaewkanjana, who played alongside him in the final group, is in second place after also carding a 69. The third player in their group, Songgyu Yoo, who started the day as the leader, is two shots behind. Yoo led for much of the round but a triple bogey on the 16th hole cost him the top spot; without that, he would have shared the lead.
Statistics reveal that Poom was the shortest off the tee among those who made the cut, averaging just 250.67 yards, which is relatively short by modern standards. However, he has relied on his precise short game and steady nerves on a course designed to challenge like a major championship.
Poom made three birdies and only one bogey, sinking crucial putts including two 12-footers for par on holes 15 and 16. On the final hole, after landing in a greenside bunker and facing a tricky 46-yard shot, he confidently executed a delicate splash shot to within a foot and tapped in for par.
Reflecting on his round, Poom said his putting exceeded expectations, though his ball striking was less consistent, possibly due to playing cautiously from a strong position. His last victory came at the Yeangder TPC in 2023.
Winning tomorrow would also secure him a spot in The Open Championship, as this tournament is part of the Open Qualifying Series, but Poom remains focused on the win itself rather than the additional reward.
Sadom, who hasn’t won since the 2018 SMBC Singapore Open, finished tied for second in the season-opening Smart Infinity Philippine Open and is eager to claim another title. He praised Poom’s short game and putting, expressing excitement about competing alongside him again.
Songgyu Yoo, who impressively finished tied 11th in his only Open appearance in 2022, lamented his costly mistake on the par-five 16th, where his ball landed in a penalty area after an errant shot while aiming for the green.
In fourth place is Korean Yunseok Kang, four strokes behind the leader after shooting a 68, followed closely by fellow Korean Giwhan Kim, who is one stroke further back after a 72. Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent carded a 72 and is part of a group six shots behind Poom.
The competition remains intense as the final round approaches, with several players in contention for the title.