Thailand's Laopakdee Wins Historic Asia-Pacific Amateur Playoff in Dubai

Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee made history by winning the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club, becoming the first Thai player to claim the title. Laopakdee, a 20-year-old Arizona State University junior, staged a remarkable comeback from six shots behind to finish 15-under-par 273 and forced a dramatic sudden-death playoff against 16-year-old Japanese golfer Taisei Nagasaki. The playoff extended to three holes, with Laopakdee clinching victory by birdieing the final hole after a clutch 6-iron shot that barely cleared a water hazard, while Nagasaki missed a crucial chip shot. This victory earned Laopakdee invitations to the 2026 Masters Tournament and The Open Championship, fulfilling a promise he made to his college coach. The win is a significant milestone for Thai golf and highlights Laopakdee as one of the brightest young prospects in the sport. Nagasaki, who led much of the tournament, expressed disappointment over the loss but demonstrated great skill throughout the final round and playoff.