Fifa Laopakdee Did It Again. Augusta, Set Another Place.

Only one other man had ever won the Asia-Pacific Amateur two years running. His name is Hideki Matsuyama. He has a green jacket.

Now there are two.

Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand won the 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur at Te Arai Links' South Course in New Zealand on Sunday, closing with a 1-under 70 to finish at 6-under 278. Three shots clear of New Zealand's Zack Swanwick.

It was not a stroll. Laopakdee started the day two back of Swanwick, dropped two shots over his first eight holes, and was looking at a Kiwi trophy celebration in the wind.

Then the par-4 11th happened. Laopakdee hit his approach just over the false front to about 7 feet and made birdie. Swanwick found a greenside bunker, watched his recovery roll off the front, and made triple. Four-shot swing. Two-shot deficit becomes a two-shot lead. Golf is cruel and links golf is crueler.

A wedge to 4 feet for birdie on the par-3 17th finished the job. Swanwick shot 75.

The prize is the part that matters: an invitation to the 2027 Masters and an exemption into the 155th Open at St Andrews. He made his debut at both majors this year, at Augusta National and Royal Birkdale. Now he gets to go back.

Laopakdee is an Arizona State senior. He opened this week with an 8-under 63 that included a holed-out eagle from 83 yards. He also won last year's edition, in Dubai, in a playoff.

On joining Matsuyama, per the Masters and AAC: "That feels amazing to join the club. Hideki has played a huge part in golf for Japan, and also Asia. Being able to win back-to-back like him is a huge honor."

Two years, two titles, two trips to Augusta. Most amateurs would kill for one. Laopakdee is collecting them.

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