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Fifa Laopakdee brings Augusta confidence to NCAA Regionals

The Asia-Pacific Amateur champion reflects on competing at Augusta National, learning from golf legends and how the experience will fuel Arizona State’s postseason push.

Fifa Laopakdee brings Augusta confidence to NCAA RegionalsFifa Laopakdee brings Augusta confidence to NCAA Regionals
by Meredith Cunningham

From Phil Mickelson’s three Green Jackets to Jon Rahm’s 2023 victory, Arizona State has long been part of Masters history, with several Sun Devils making the iconic drive down Magnolia Lane.

In April 2026, Asia-Pacific Amateur champion Fifa Laopakdee added his name to that list.

For one unforgettable week at Augusta National, the ASU junior lived inside golf’s grandest stage surrounded by legends, crowds and the traditions he had spent years watching on television. 

Through it all, Laopakdee kept trying to convince himself it was just another tournament.

“I was more excited than nervous,” the Bangkok native said. “I kind of tried to treat it like just another golf event. I didn’t try to let all those thoughts get in my head too much. I was trying to stay in my own bubble and focus on my routine.”

Now, more than a month removed from his Masters debut, Laopakdee’s focus has shifted toward another goal: helping Arizona State chase a national championship.

The Sun Devils begin NCAA Regional play May 18 in Columbus, Ohio, and Head Coach Matt Thurmond believes the timing could not be better.

“He was so professional at the Masters,” Thurmond said. “One of Fifa’s signatures is his smile and his confident walk. It was fun to watch him look the part and enjoy it.”

More importantly, Thurmond believes the pressure that had followed Laopakdee since qualifying for Augusta has finally lifted.

“Ever since he qualified, it’s probably been the foremost thought in his mind,” Thurmond said. “That comes with pressure. I felt like once the Masters was over, his mind would relax and loosen up.”

Thurmond already sees the difference.

“His best will come now that his mind is relaxed.”

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Straight out of a movie
Because of Arizona State’s history and experience on golf’s biggest stages, Laopakdee entered Augusta well prepared. 

Thurmond leaned on insights from Sun Devil alumnus Josele Ballester, who competed in the 2025 Masters after winning the U.S. Amateur.

“We could help him understand what it was going to be like,” Thurmond said. “The biggest thing was not to make it bigger than it is. He’s still the same person he was before the Masters and will be after the Masters.”

Still, there were moments Laopakdee could hardly believe were real.

“It was kind of straight out of a movie,” Laopakdee said.

His locker sat between Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau. Throughout the week, he crossed paths with Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Jason Day around the clubhouse and practice areas.

“You always see those things on social media and TV,” Laopakdee said. “When you get to experience it yourself, it feels pretty cool.”

One of the most memorable moments came after Justin Rose’s third-place finish. Laopakdee approached the English star in the locker room and offered encouragement.

“I told him he should be proud of himself,” Laopakdee said. “He just came straight over and hugged me.”

Then came the surprise.

“He gave me his phone number after,” Laopakdee said. “I didn’t expect that.”

The Masters was no longer just a dream on TV. It became a real glimpse of where Laopakdee believes he belongs.

Fifa Laopakdee at The Masters 2026

Learning from the best
Once tournament play began, Laopakdee focused on learning from every interaction possible.

During practice rounds, he studied 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples closely, watching how the veteran navigated the course with patience and precision.

“It showed you don’t have to hit it far,” Laopakdee said. “You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to know how to deal with your game.”

Away from the course, Laopakdee leaned into Thurmond’s advice to enjoy the week beyond golf.

“Coach reminded me to go out there and have fun,” Laopakdee said. “Go do something outside of golf. Play pickleball. Go have dinner with your friends and family.”

And he did. His parents, younger brother, teammates and friends all made the trip to show their support. His brother even caddied during the Par 3 Contest.

Even without making the cut, Laopakdee left Augusta with momentum. He closed his second round with three straight birdies, a stretch that reinforced he belonged among the world’s best.

“It builds a lot of confidence,” he said. “It showed I could play out there.”

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Postseason push
The Sun Devils enter NCAA Regionals looking to continue one of the nation’s strongest postseason traditions, and Laopakdee now returns from Augusta carrying something every contender needs: Belief.

The memories of Augusta remain fresh, but Laopakdee insists his attention has fully shifted back to Arizona State’s postseason chase.

“It’s going to be a big postseason for us,” he said. “The team wants to do good. The coaches want to do good. That’s where our focus is right now.”

Even so, Augusta changed something.

The experience validated what Laopakdee and everyone around the Sun Devil program already believed.

“I know it’s not going to be my last time at the Masters,” he said. “I’ll be back there one day."