Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee claims historic Asia Pacific Amateur Championship win in Dubai

Thai golf history was made on Sunday when the 20-year-old Fifa Laopakdee won the 16th Asia Pacific Amateur Championship at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, becoming the first Thai to achieve this feat.

He claimed the title following a nail-biting playoff in which he beat Japan's 16-year-old Taisei Nagasaki, with both finishing on 15-under-par after 72 holes. This win also earned Laopakdee an invitation to The Masters and The Open Championship next year, two lifelong dreams realized.

Fifa Laopakdee’s remarkable final-round comeback

Laopakdee was chasing the overnight lead set by Nagasaki, who set the pace for the final day after carding 17-under to lead through 54 holes.

A 68 for a closing round from the Thai national ranked 53rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and who studies at Arizona State University. He showed his skill and squeeze ability by making a birdie on five straight holes to put himself in a playoff for the title.

Both players birdied the first playoff hole at the par-five 18th, and then again birdied the driveable 17th. Nagasaki then hit through the green on the second extra hole and made par, while Laopakdee chipped close and then holed for birdie to take the title. Reflecting on the win, Laopakdee said, “I stuck to the plan I created at the beginning of the week.

I’ve just gone shot by shot and enjoyed it with my caddy.” With a big smiling face, he added, “Coach, I did it,” addressing his Arizona State coach to whom he had promised he would become the first Thai amateur to play in the Masters.Also Read: Mannat ends T-13th, Chinese reign supreme at Asian Youth Games golf

A new chapter for Thai and Asia-Pacific golf

It marks a change in fortune for Thai golf, with no player from the country after the trophy in the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship trophy since 2009. Winning also qualifies Laopakdee for two of the biggest events in golf, provided he maintains his amateur status.For Laopakdee himself, it simply delivers on an admittedly ambitious ambition and anoints him as one of the brightest young prospects in the region. His last-day prowess and calming demeanor suggest he could face the world.