Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee delivered a historic performance at Te Arai Links’ South Course in New Zealand, successfully defending his Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship title. Laopakdee posted a four-round total of six-under 278 to finish three strokes ahead of runner-up Zack Swanwick of New Zealand. With the triumph, the Arizona State University senior joined 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama as the only players in tournament history to win back-to-back Asia-Pacific Amateur titles.
Laopakdee set the tone early in the tournament by opening with a blistering eight-under 63. Navigating tough, blustery coastal winds during the second round, his momentum briefly faltered with a bogey on the par-three eighth hole. However, he immediately responded with a birdie on the ninth hole to finish with a second-round 72, maintaining a two-shot cushion over the field at seven-under par.
During Sunday’s final round, Swanwick mounted a spirited charge to briefly close the gap and threaten the lead. Laopakdee remained composed under pressure, dropping just a single shot to the chasing pack before pulling away down the stretch. The landmark defense earned the Thai star coveted exemptions into major championships, securing his invitation to the 2027 Masters Tournament at Augusta National and a spot in The 155th Open at St Andrews.
