Arizona State Golfer Laopakdee Makes Masters Debut

21-year-old junior becomes first Thai amateur to play in the Masters tournament at Augusta National.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-perspective movements of a golfer's swing, with vibrant colors of green, blue, and gold representing the lush fairways and azaleas of Augusta National.A rising Thai star's journey from college golf to the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.Tempe Today

Pongsapak 'Fifa' Laopakdee, a 21-year-old junior at Arizona State University, is set to make his debut at the 90th Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Laopakdee earned his spot by winning the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Dubai last October. He will become the first Thai amateur to play in the prestigious Masters tournament.

Why it matters

Laopakdee's Masters debut is a significant accomplishment, not just for the young golfer but also for the Arizona State men's golf program. He joins a list of ASU alumni who have competed in the Masters while still in school, including Phil Mickelson and Chez Reavie. Laopakdee's success highlights the strength of ASU's golf program and its ability to develop top-tier talent.

The details

Laopakdee, who has zero PGA Tour cuts made, zero earnings, and zero events played, will have the honor of having his locker placed between golf superstars Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau. The young Thai golfer plans to embrace the pressure and focus on enjoying the experience. He has received guidance and support from ASU alumnus and 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm, who has been happy to answer Laopakdee's questions and provide him with tips and strategies for the tournament.

  • Laopakdee earned his spot by winning the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Dubai last October.
  • Laopakdee is scheduled to tee off at 9:15 a.m. MST on Thursday and 5:50 a.m. MST on Friday for his first two rounds.
  • Last year, the cut line for the Masters was 2-over-par after two rounds.

The players

Pongsapak 'Fifa' Laopakdee

A 21-year-old junior at Arizona State University who is set to become the first Thai amateur to play in the Masters tournament.

Jon Rahm

An Arizona State alumnus and the 2023 Masters champion, who has been providing Laopakdee with guidance and tips for the tournament.

Matt Thurmond

The Arizona State men's golf coach, who has watched Laopakdee's development and accompanied him to Augusta National.

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What they’re saying

“My locker is between Tiger (Woods) and Bryson (DeChambeau). That's a lot to soak in. I definitely took a picture of that.”

— Pongsapak 'Fifa' Laopakdee, Arizona State Junior Golfer

“Everyone is always going to feel nervous on the first tee, even the best player in the world. That's what you train for. I'm just going to embrace it. I'm not trying to think too much and just go out there and have fun.”

— Pongsapak 'Fifa' Laopakdee, Arizona State Junior Golfer

“Fifa came as a great player already, and that showed from the start. But I think what we see now is he can compete in all circumstances, on all types of courses, at all levels.”

— Matt Thurmond, Arizona State Men's Golf Coach

What’s next

Laopakdee is guaranteed at least 36-holes of play at the Masters, as his first two rounds will be played alongside 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples and world No. 25 ranked Min Woo Lee. If he finishes his second round at even par or better, he will likely make the cut and play through the weekend.

The takeaway

Pongsapak 'Fifa' Laopakdee's Masters debut is a testament to the strength of the Arizona State men's golf program and its ability to develop top-tier talent. His calm and collected approach, combined with the guidance and support he has received from ASU alumni and coaches, have positioned him for success on golf's biggest stage.