Thailand's Laopakdee Retains Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
Tomarata, New Zealand: Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee has successfully defended his Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship title. The 2026 event at Te Arai Links ended with Laopakdee on 6-under 278, three strokes ahead of New Zealand's Jack Swanwick.
The result marks a significant achievement for the Thai golfer, who has now won the prestigious amateur event in two straight years.
For the Indian players, the week ended without a weekend appearance. Anshul Mishra, Arkesh Bhatia and Ribhav Verma failed to make the cut. All three remain hopeful of a stronger showing when the tournament returns to Vietnam next year.
Laopakdee's latest triumph follows his 2025 win in Dubai. With back-to-back titles, he now stands alongside Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, as one of the few players to win the championship in consecutive years. Matsuyama's double came in 2010 for Japan and 2011 for Singapore.
As champion, Laopakdee earns an invitation to the 2027 Masters Tournament. He has also gained direct entry into the 155th Open at St Andrews.
This season has already been memorable for him. He made his major championship debuts at Augusta National Golf Club and Royal Birkdale Golf Club earlier in the year.
The Arizona State University senior began the final round tied in the pursuit of the lead alongside Cooper Moore of New Zealand, two strokes adrift of Swanwick. He gave up two strokes early, then played three under over the closing 10 holes, with birdies at the 9th, 11th and 17th.
The 11th hole, a par-4, proved to be the turning point. Swanwick's approach ended in the greenside bunker, and his recovery rolled across the green, leading to a triple bogey. Laopakdee holed a birdie putt to swing four shots in his favour and reclaim a two-stroke lead.
Swanwick had held the top spot through three rounds. He began the week at four over par through 15 holes, then went 11 under across the next 39. His final-round 75 ended with a birdie on the 18th, which secured second place on his own. It stands as the best finish by a New Zealander in the championship's 17-year history.
Laopakdee's opening round of 8-under 63 on Thursday set the tone. His eagle from 83 yards on the 9th hole and a similar approach at the 15th, which led to a birdie, were highlights.
Kayun Mudadana of Australia shot 67 on Sunday to finish third on 2-under 282. Moore was fourth on 1-under 283, while New Zealand's Ryan Gee was in the top five on 284.
The 2027 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is scheduled for October 28 to 31 at Hoiana Shores Golf Club in Hoi An, Vietnam.