Fifa Laopakdee

Fifa Laopakdee came from six shots behind to win the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in dramatic fashion.

The victory which came at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course in Dubai, earned him an exemption for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale in July.

Having been six strokes off the leader – 16-year-old Taisei Nagasaki – at the start of Sunday, Laopakdee managed a final round 68 to force a play-off, before winning with birdie on the third extra hole.

In addition to securing his Open debut, the Arizona State University junior also gained an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament - becoming the first Thai player to do so.

Afterwards he said: "I think all the Thai fans have been waiting such a long time for a Thai amateur or Thai pro to go compete at the Masters and The Open.

"This victory, I feel like it's probably gained so many Thai fans. If I check my phone, probably tonnes of Thai fans texting me right now. Amazing for me, my parents, Thai fans and for my country."