Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee is heading back to the Masters after going back-to-back at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand.

Laopakdee, whose birth name is Pongsapak, was dubbed Fifa by his soccer-mad father. The nickname was inspired by the sport's governing body, which stages the World Cup.

But it is in golf that the 21-year-old is excelling. He is a standout at Arizona State University, and he is set to make his second appearance at the Masters in April after defending his title at Te Arai Links on Sunday. Laopakdee closed with a one-under-par 70 to finish at six under par for the tournament and clinch a three-shot victory over home favorite Zack Swanwick.

Laopakdee missed the cut in his Masters debut this year, but he managed to snag Justin Rose's phone number, and the Thai talent hopes the former world No. 1 is good on his promise of a practice round at Augusta.

"Rosey, see you at a practice round for the Masters," the world No. 31 amateur said after clinching one of the most revered titles in amateur golf for the second time.

The victory also punches his ticket to The Open Championship at St Andrews. He missed the cut on his debut at Royal Birkdale in July, but he hopes to be in better form next time around after overcoming a challenging season.

“I feel like I'm more proud of myself this year because I never stopped believing in myself, and even though I had a tough year,” he said. “I literally didn't win a single thing since March. I just keep telling myself that I've still got it.

“Shout out to my friends, my family, my coaches, my teammates, who still believe in me and push me hard every day. This win means a lot because I'm able to prove to myself that I've still got it.”

Laopakdee became the third man to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship twice, and only the second to win it in successive years. The other man to do that? 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.

“That feels amazing to join the club,” Laopakdee said. “Hideki has played a huge part in golf for Japan, and also Asia. Being able to win back‑to‑back like him is a huge honor. And he's a great player. I hope to follow in his footsteps.”

Laopakdee was two shots adrift of Swanwick to start the final round, but the momentum shifted on the 11th when the Kiwi made a triple and the Sun Devil made a birdie in a four-shot swing. He never looked back.

“It was a huge momentum shift, that's for sure,” he added. “My hand was shaking right after the 11 putt, since I know that I'm a leader.

"I just keep telling myself I'm still going to play like I'm behind, and I'm still going to think in my head that he's still leading. Still playing the game, like I'm not a leader. Still be aggressive but also play smart. I think I played it perfectly coming down the stretch.”