So she became the first female golfer to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. It made him the first player from Thailand to win this illustrious accolade since the tournament’s inception in 2010. Here’s a recap on how the exciting event played out at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course. Laopakdee finished a brilliant comeback, coming back from a six-shot deficit to win by two shots at 15-under 273.
The junior at Arizona State University battled the gusty conditions and a deep field of competitors with impressive resolve during the final round. Tanshi Laopakdee came in at 4-under 68, highlighted by an extraordinary back nine score of 30. He closed with a flourish, making five straight birdies beginning on the 17th hole. This performance was further proof that he could be able to improve his game in the moments that counted the most.
In the playoff, Laopakdee went up against 16-year-old Taisei Nagasaki of Japan. The competition may have been intense, but Laopakdee didn’t let that fluster him. On that 18th hole he hit the most important shot of the day, a 6-iron that barely cleared the water hazard. He made a birdie on the second playoff hole before making par again on the third, where he officially secured his victory.
Laopakdee’s secret, he told NPR, was preparation — and a rock-solid faith in himself. Earlier in the week, he had told Arizona State coach Matt Thurmond, “I’ll win this event and be the first Thai amateur to play in the Masters.” His dreams have come to pass indeed! This impressive victory earns him exemptions into both the Masters and the Open Championship next year.
The budding golf star displayed his world-class talent early, getting up-and-down from a rear bunker. Then he birdied the last two holes, showcasing his versatility and skill under pressure.
“After I finished 18, I didn’t even know I shot 5-under par on the back nine.” – Pongsapak “Fifa” Laopakdee
Laopakdee’s victory at the Asia-Pacific Amateur raises his profile in the game of golf. More importantly, it sparks the dreams of young golfers all over Thailand. His victory will go down as one of the biggest moments in Thai golf history. It creates opportunities for tomorrow’s talent to wow the world on international stages.
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