Fifa Laopakdee is quickly becoming a name to remember in amateur golf. The Thai player’s victory at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in 2025 secured him spots at two major tournaments this year.
The Origin of a Nickname
Laopakdee’s full name is Pongsapak Laopakdee. Interestingly, he goes by the nickname ‘Fifa’ because of his father’s passion for soccer. Ahead of the 2026 Masters, he shared the story: “My dad is a huge soccer fan, and he was choosing between Fifa from FIFA World Cup and Uefa from UEFA Champions League. So luckily it ends up with at Fifa.”
College Golf and Mentorship
Laopakdee hones his skills playing college golf for Arizona State University. He had the opportunity to play with former ASU golfers Jon Rahm and Josele Ballester in January 2026, prior to his Masters start. “I’m lucky enough to talk to them and talked back in ASU, like Josele, and I played with Jon Rahm at the start of January,” he said. “It’s been an honor to have those kinds of guys in town and practice alongside you and give you any answers. They’re happy enough to answer all my questions, all my concerns, and give me all the tips and other strategies to use this week.”
Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship Triumph
Laopakdee’s path to the Masters wasn’t without drama. He mounted a comeback from six shots behind to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. Following a final round 68, Laopakdee earned a playoff with Taisei Nagasaki, which he won on the third hole.
Making History at The Masters
Laopakdee’s victory was the first by a Thai player at the tournament. The win means he’ll also be one of the amateurs in the field at The Masters and The Open. He will become the first Thai amateur to play at the Major when he tees it up at The Masters.
Past Experiences
The 2026 Masters won’t be the first big professional event where he has competed. Laopakdee played in several world ranking events between 2019 and 2025, including the Crown Australian Open at the end of the latter year, where he missed the cut. The victory also earned him an exemption into the 2026 Amateur Championship. He has played for his country at the Eisenhower Trophy and the Junior Presidents Cup.