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He wanted another chance at the Masters. He made history to get it

Fifa Laopakdee won the Asia-Pacific Amateur last year to punch his ticket to the Masters. He made history on Sunday to secure a return trip.

Published: Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 5:38 PM
He wanted another chance at the Masters. He made history to get it
Key Things to Know
  • Fifa Laopakdee defended his Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship title to earn spots in the Masters and Open Championship.
  • Laopakdee joined Hideki Matsuyama as the only players in tournament history to win back-to-back titles.
  • The Arizona State senior finished at six under to defeat 54-hole leader Zack Swanick by three strokes.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee defended his Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship title at Te Arai Links in New Zealand, earning invitations to the 2027 Masters and Open Championship. The Arizona State senior shot a final-round 70 to finish at six under, overcoming a deficit to defeat New Zealand's Zack Swanick by three strokes.

With this victory, Laopakdee became only the second golfer in history to win back-to-back Asia-Pacific Amateur titles, joining Hideki Matsuyama. A pivotal swing occurred on the par-4 11th hole, where Swanick recorded a triple bogey and Laopakdee birdied to seize a two-stroke lead that he held down the stretch.

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