Overview
- Laopakdee overcame a two-shot deficit to win the Asia‑Pacific Amateur by three shots after a decisive four‑shot swing on the par‑4 11th, which included his birdie and Swanwick’s bunker error that led to a triple bogey.
- He closed with a 1‑under 70 to finish 6‑under 278 at Te Arai Links’ wind‑blown South Course in New Zealand, where only four players finished under par.
- The victory, confirmed Sunday, gives Laopakdee exemptions into the 2027 Masters at Augusta National and the 2027 Open at St. Andrews, marking a rare back‑to‑back AAC title.
- Laopakdee said the repeat felt more meaningful after a difficult college season this year and credited mental preparation and learning from his first major starts for his rebound.
- The Asia‑Pacific Amateur winner’s prize remains a key amateur pathway to major championships and one final Masters spot will be decided at the 2027 Latin America Amateur in January.