Meet 'Fifa Pongsapak,' the first Thai amateur golfer to compete in 'The Masters,' who shares his excitement about having a locker next to Tiger Woods.
On 8 April 2026, the latest update on 21-year-old rising amateur golfer “Fifa” Pongsapak Laophakdee, champion of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), who is making history as the first Thai amateur golfer to qualify for the major tournament “The Masters,” the 90th edition, held at Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, USA.
Fifa Pongsapak is a key product of Thailand's golf scene, consistently serving as a mainstay for the national team with outstanding achievements.
Two consecutive SEA Games gold medals: member of the men's golf team winning gold in the team event at the 31st SEA Games (Vietnam), the 32nd SEA Games (Cambodia), and two gold medals at the 33rd SEA Games (Thailand).
Selected for the Thai national team to compete in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Made history as the first Thai golfer to win the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Japan, a key stepping stone to major tournaments The Masters and The Open.
Fifa Pongsapak shared his feelings about being Thailand’s first amateur golfer to compete on this revered stage: “It is a tremendous honor. It always feels great to know you’re playing for something bigger than yourself. Thai golf fans have been very kind to me, and I can feel their constant support.”
“It was amazing to walk into the locker room today and find my locker between Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau. I had to take a photo right away. It’s incredible that golfers we once only saw on TV are now competing alongside me at the world’s most prestigious venue.”
When asked about nerves before the competition begins, Pongsapak said he remained calm and tried to enjoy the game during practice but admitted the real excitement would come on the first day of competition.
“I believe everyone will be nervous at tee one on Thursday, even the world’s best players. But that’s what we train for, to face it. I won’t overthink it, just go out, have fun, and be myself as much as possible.”
The Masters 2026 will start its first round on Thursday, 9 April 2026 (local time). Thai golf fans are ready to cheer on Fifa Pongsapak, hoping he performs excellently and makes the cut in this legendary tournament.
