Fifa Laopakdee secured a three-stroke victory at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship on the South course at Te Arai Links in New Zealand, finishing at six-under-par 278 to claim back-to-back titles, Yahoo Sports reported.
How Laopakdee Overcame a Two-Shot Deficit on the Final Day
Entering the final round trailing by two shots with 10 holes remaining, Arizona State senior Fifa Laopakdee capitalized on a crucial birdie opportunity at the par-4 11th hole. Napier’s Zack Swanwick held a two-stroke advantage on the tee but carded a triple-bogey seven after finding a greenside bunker, while Laopakdee carded a birdie three for a decisive four-shot swing, as reported by Yahoo Sports and the NZ Herald.
Take it in. #AACgolf pic.twitter.com/HvR4mLBpN4
“It was a huge momentum shift, that’s for sure,” Laopakdee said, noting that his hand shook after sinking the putt. He followed with steady pars before hitting his tee shot to close range on the par-3 17th for a birdie, closing out with a one-under 70.
Chasing History Beside Hideki Matsuyama
With the win, Laopakdee joined 2010 and 2011 champion Hideki Matsuyama as the only golfers to successfully defend the Asia-Pacific Amateur title since the event’s inception in 2009, according to Sun Devil Athletics. The victory earns the 21-year-old invitations to the 2027 Masters at Augusta National and the 155th British Open at St. Andrews.
Cooper Moore and Ryan Xie are within striking distance of leader Fifa Laopakdee as they seek to become the first Kiwis to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur.https://t.co/FXWWhYTzMX pic.twitter.com/VfHXEYlfvP
“Hideki has played a huge part in golf for Japan, and also Asia,” Laopakdee said. “He’s a great player.”
How the Local Contenders Faded in the Wind
New Zealand’s Zack Swanwick finished in sole second place at three-under 281 after struggling to a 75 in the final round. Christchurch golfer Cooper Moore, who began the day tied for second at five-under alongside Laopakdee, dropped back after carding bogeys and a double-bogey on the back nine, finishing fourth at one-under, per the NZ Herald.
Australia’s Kayun Mudadana posted a 67 to claim solo third place at two-under. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Ryan Xie fired a five-under 66—matching the low round of the day—to climb into a tie for fifth place alongside four other local players in the top 10.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
What prizes does the winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur receive?
The champion earns an automatic invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National and an exemption into the British Open Championship at St. Andrews.
The moment Fifa Laopakdee secured the 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship for a second time. 🙌#AACGolf pic.twitter.com/UKH0T2BP7a
Who created the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship?
The tournament was established in 2009 and is co-organized by Augusta National Golf Club, The R&A, and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.
Where was the tournament hosted?
The 2026 championship was held on the rugged coastal South course at Te Arai Links along New Zealand’s North Island.
Right on target 🎯Fifa Laopakdee with a stellar birdie on No. 17 to extend his lead to four shots.#AACGolf pic.twitter.com/5aZHmiHn1c