Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee holds the trophy after winning the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee is the latest to earn a coveted invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament.

The 20-year-old won the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship on Sunday after coming back from six shots down entering the final round at Emirates Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates. In doing so, he becomes the first Thai golfer to win this premier amateur tournament and will be the first Thai to make the drive down Magnolia Lane and play in the Masters.

Japan's Taisei Nagasaki, 16, appeared to have control of this event after 54 holes but Laopakdee, tied for third heading into the final day, shot a final-round 4-under 68, while Nagasaki slid to a 2-over 74, leaving the two tied at the end of regulation. Laopakdee birdied the 17th and 18th holes to force a playoff.

He then birdied all three extra holes, finally outlasting Nagasaki on the third playoff hole to claim the title.

“I mean, it's obviously amazing,” said Laopkadee. “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 tons of Thai fans texting me right now. Amazing for me, my parents, Thai fans and for my country."

Laopakdee, playing in the event for a fourth time, is the second Arizona State golfer in a row to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur. Wenyi Ding of China won the 2024 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. Laopakdee also earns a spot in the 2026 Open Championship.

Laopakdee said he told ASU coach Matt Thurmond he would accomplish the feat, and during his on-camera interview after the Championship, he looked into the camera and said, "Coach, I did it!"

“It means the whole world to me,” Laopakdee said. “Being able to pull it off is just amazing and it was great battle. Shout out to Taisei for keeping such a hard job for me to close it out. It was amazing.”

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Fifa Laopakdee earns Masters invite after winning 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

Reporting by Todd Kelly, Golfweek / Golfweek

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect