Arizona State’s Fifa Laopakdee Wins Second Consecutive Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, Earns 2027 Masters and Open Championship Berths

Arizona State senior Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand captured his second consecutive Asia Pacific Amateur Championship on Sunday, November 1, finishing at six under par (278) at Te Arai Links’ South Course in Auckland, New Zealand.

Laopakdee closed with a one under 70 to defeat New Zealand’s Zack Swanwick by three strokes. The victory secured invitations to the 2027 Masters Tournament at Augusta National and The 155th Open Championship at St Andrews.

The 21 year old became just the second golfer to win consecutive Asia Pacific Amateur titles since the championship began in 2009, joining Hideki Matsuyama.

Laopakdee Rallies to Secure Second Straight Title

Laopakdee entered the final ten holes trailing by three strokes before turning the championship in his favor.

A four stroke swing at the 11th hole moved him from two strokes behind to two strokes ahead.

He extended his advantage with a birdie on the par three 17th, hitting his approach to four feet and increasing his lead to four strokes.

Laopakdee finished at six under, with only four competitors completing the tournament below par.

Swanwick secured second place after making birdie on the 18th hole to finish at three under. His runner up performance was the highest finish by a New Zealand golfer in the championship’s 17 year history.

Historic Achievement for Arizona State Senior

Laopakdee previously won the 2025 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in Dubai, overcoming a six stroke final round deficit before claiming victory on the third playoff hole.

His successful title defense places him alongside Matsuyama as the only players to win the championship in consecutive years.

Laopakdee, ranked No. 31 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking entering the event, also won the Desimone Invitational at Lake Merced in San Francisco in March 2026.

The Arizona State senior will now return to two major championships in 2027 after making his Masters and Open Championship debuts earlier in 2026.

Major Championship Opportunities Ahead

Laopakdee’s victory guarantees another appearance at Augusta National for the 2027 Masters and a place in The 155th Open Championship at St Andrews.

His second consecutive Asia Pacific Amateur title adds another international accomplishment to his collegiate career at Arizona State.

Tournament Information

• Event: Asia Pacific Amateur Championship
• Final Round: November 1, 2026
• Course: Te Arai Links, South Course
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Champion: Fifa Laopakdee, Thailand, Arizona State
• Winning Score: 278 (−6)
• Runner Up: Zack Swanwick, New Zealand, 281 (−3)
• Margin of Victory: Three strokes

Sources

Arizona State Athletics: Fifa Laopakdee Makes History in New Zealand

The Star: Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee Retains Asia Pacific Amateur Championship Title