History was made this week when Fifa Pongsapak Laopakdee, a proud St. Andrews Green Valley alumnus, became the first Thai golfer to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

The 20-year-old, now studying and playing golf at Arizona State University, made a remarkable comeback from six shots behind to defeat Japan’s Taisei Nagasaki with a birdie on the third playoff hole. The win also earned him a dream ticket to play at the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National and The Open at Royal Birkdale, marking a historic moment in Thai golf history.

“I told my coach I’d be the first Thai to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and the first Thai amateur to play in the Masters. Coach, I did it! It means the world to me,” said Fifa after the match

St. Andrews Green Valley: Where the Journey Began

Fifa Laopakdee’s journey started at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, where his passion for golf was clear from an early age. During his school years, he travelled to tournaments around the world, proudly representing Thailand and bringing home several titles along the way.

During his school years, he travelled to compete in tournaments around the world and brought home several achievements along the way. Teachers and friends remember him as a calm, determined student who gave his all to both academics and sport.

Determination, Focus, and Support Behind the Success

“I have to give a huge shoutout to Mr McGee and all the teachers who helped me balance academics and golf. I always stayed in touch with them, letting them know about my tournaments, and they helped me manage homework and exams.”

— Fifa Laopakdee, St. Andrews Green Valley Graduate of the Year 2023

At St. Andrews Green Valley, every student’s dream is valued and supported. We believe that a strong support system plays a huge role in everyone’s pathway to their success — no matter which direction students choose.

For Fifa, this meant being able to focus on both his studies and his golf career. Our teachers helped adjust his learning schedule around tournaments, guided him through university applications, and made sure he could keep growing in every area of life. That support helped him stay on course, both in school and in sport.

From Green Valley to Global Stage

Fifa Laopakdee’s talent caught the attention of coaches at Arizona State University (ASU), one of the world’s top collegiate golf programmes, and earned him a scholarship to join the ASU Sun Devils. He went on to collect multiple amateur titles in the US before reaching his proudest milestone, becoming the first Thai to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship — and his journey is only just beginning.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Fifa Laopakdee’s story is one of hard work, focus, and the power of support. It reminds us that success doesn’t happen overnight — it grows from balance, patience, and belief in your own path. The most important thing is that every talent can shine. 

Congratulations, Fifa — your success inspires our community and reminds us that no dream is too far away.