Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee described his victory at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship as a dream come true after producing a composed and fearless performance to win the prestigious title at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course.
“It means the world to me,” Laopakdee said after the final round. “To pull off the win is amazing, and it was a great battle. I told myself at the start of the day that it was just another round of golf. Go out, play your best, and whatever happens, happens.”
Learning from Past Pressure
Laopakdee admitted that past experiences at the championship helped shape his mindset this year. After finishing T5 on debut in 2022, expectations slowly grew, along with pressure.
“In the past few years, I put too much pressure on myself here and kind of choked at the end,” he said. “This year, I didn’t want that. I just wanted to have fun.”
That approach paid off. Relaxed, confident, and patient, Laopakdee handled the closing stretch with maturity beyond his years, even singing with his caddie as they walked down the fairway on the 18th hole.
“We were playing Bruno Mars songs, just keeping it light. I didn’t even know I was five-under on the back nine. I was just going shot by shot.”
A Championship Years in the Making
Since his strong showing in Thailand three years ago, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship became a fixture on Laopakdee’s calendar.
“At the start of every year, this was the event I looked forward to the most,” he said. “I knew I had the potential to win it one day.”
That belief sharpened his focus in practice and competition, helping him grow mentally and emotionally as a player.
“I told the media earlier this week that I’m more mature now than I was three years ago. I’m more confident, and I feel like I’m on the right track.”
Inspired by Jeeno Thitikul
Laopakdee credits Jeeno Thitikul, the current women’s world No. 1, as a major influence on his development.
“I look up to Jeeno a lot,” he said. “Our families, coaches, and agencies are close. Watching how she controls herself on the course, how she reacts to good and bad shots, it’s remarkable.”
He added that her calm demeanour and positive energy have shaped how he approaches pressure moments.
“She always smiles, even after bad shots. I try to mimic that attitude, and I feel it’s helping my game reach another level.”
Singing, Staying Loose, and Thriving Under Pressure
Laopakdee revealed that singing on the course became a habit during his college career at Arizona State University, helping him cope with pressure in elite fields.
“There are a lot of big events and great players. Singing just helps me relax. I’ve been doing it every week, and it’s worked.”
A Moment for Thailand
The victory carries historic significance, earning Laopakdee invitations to The Masters and The Open Championship, something Thai golf fans have long hoped to see from an amateur player.
“I think Thai fans have been waiting a long time for this,” he said. “It’s amazing for me, my parents, and my country.”
Laopakdee’s love for golf began with the Masters, watching Tiger Woods with his father as a young child.
“I’ve watched every Masters since then. I still get emotional watching someone win. To now have the chance to follow that path is unreal.”
He is also eagerly anticipating The Open, despite memories of a rain-soaked junior round in Scotland.
“It’s going to be tough, cold, and challenging, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
And as for his unique name?
“My dad loves football,” Laopakdee laughed. “It was between Fifa or Uefa. Thank God it’s Fifa.”
