Justin Rose sent direct message from latest addition to 2027 Masters field
The 21-year-old Thai golfer became only the second player to win consecutive titles, earning another trip to Augusta National.
Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee has revealed he cannot wait to play a practice round with Justin Rose ahead of the 2027 Masters after becoming just the second player to win back-to-back titles at the Asia-Pacific Amateur.
The 21-year-old secured his place at next year's Masters and the 2027 Open after producing a final-round comeback to claim a three-shot victory at Te Arai Links in New Zealand.
Laopakdee carded a final round of 1-under 70 to finish on 6-under overall and become the first player since Japan's Hideki Matsuyama in 2011 to win the tournament in successive years.
The victory will see him return to Augusta National next April, where he hopes to take up an offer from Rose to play a practice round together.
The pair exchanged numbers at this year's Masters, with Rose promising the amateur a round together should he qualify again.
"Rosey, see you at a practice round for the Masters," Laopakdee said.
An emotional Laopakdee also broke down in tears, paying tribute to his parents. "Thanks for all your sacrifice," he said.
Laopakdee, who started the final round three shots behind New Zealand's Zack Swanwick, turned the contest in his favour with a dramatic swing on the 11th hole.
A birdie from seven feet was accompanied by a triple bogey from Swanwick, handing Laopakdee a two-shot lead with seven holes remaining.
The Arizona State senior extended his advantage with a birdie on the 17th and closed out victory at 6-under par.
Swanwick, who had started the day two shots clear, finished with a 5-over 75 to fall back into second place.
Australia's Kayun Mudadana finished third at two under par after a closing 67, while Cooper Moore was a further shot back.
Laopakdee, ranked 31st in the world amateur rankings, said he was determined to prove his form after a disappointing spell following his victory at the Desimone Invitational in March.
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"This is one of the last events of the year, and I wanted to prove to myself that I've still got it," he said.
"To pull it off, it means the whole world to me."
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