Fifa Laopakdee claims the title at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship – not just once, but for the second consecutive time – securing tickets to the Masters and The Open Championship 2027. What a move! The Thai golfer delivered a performance on Sunday at Te Arai Links in New Zealand that propelled him straight into the history books and earned him the coveted major double.
The Comeback Kid Moment
Things really heated up on the green! Laopakdee started the final round two strokes behind New Zealander Zack Swanwick. With ten holes remaining, he was even three shots back. But then came the 11th hole, the game-changer: Laopakdee sank a birdie, while Swanwick carded a triple bogey – a massive four-shot swing that completely turned the match around. The young golfer displayed nerves of steel and a composure rarely seen in such a situation.
Laopakdee played the last ten holes in an impressive 3 under par, with birdies on the 9th, 11th, and 17th. He finished with a 1-under 70 on his scorecard, giving him a total score of 6-under 278 and securing a three-shot victory over Swanwick.
On Course for the Majors
With this win, Laopakdee not only emulates Hideki Matsuyama's achievement as the only player with two consecutive titles but also secures a renewed invitation to the 2027 Masters at Augusta National and an exemption for the 155th Open Championship, which will take place next year at St Andrews. After a challenging college season, this success is all the more significant for Laopakdee, proving that hard work ultimately pays off. The Masters and The Open are now firmly in his sights.
