Paju, Korea - Defending champion Fifa Laopakdee masterfully navigated punishing coastal winds to shoot an eight-under 63, holing out for a spectacular eagle to seize a three-stroke lead after the opening round of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Arizona State University senior, who last year became the first Thai player to claim this prestigious title, separated himself from the elite field at Te Arai Links’ South Course by capping a front-nine 31 with a stunning 83-yard approach shot that found the bottom of the cup on the par-four ninth hole.
“Before it started, I knew it was going to be windy out there and it was going to be tough,” said Laopakdee, who added four back-nine birdies to outpace the field. “Eight under wasn’t on my bingo card today, but I was able to pull it off and it feels amazing.”
Local favourite Joshua Bai, a 20-year-old University of Florida junior from nearby Auckland, carded a resilient five-under 66 to spearhead a strong home contingent, while 14-year-old prodigy Joseph Cao of Hong Kong impressed with a two-under 69 in an event offering coveted exemptions into the 2027 Masters and The 155th Open.
With unpredictable maritime conditions expected to continue testing the competitors, the 120-player international field faces a crucial 36-hole cut on Friday as Laopakdee looks to maintain his dominant form and move closer to a historic title defence.