Already living in his own version of Alice in Wonderland, Pongsapak ‘Fifa’ Laopakdee could not believe what he saw as he entered the players’ locker room of Augusta National Golf Club. Story by Joy Chakravarty at Augusta.

On the left of his allocated locker was one with Tiger Woods’ name on it, if the five-time Major champion had taken his place in the first major championship of the season. On the right, was Bryson DeChambeau’s.

The 21-year-old Thai, who secured a spot to play this year’s Masters Tournament after becoming the first player from his country to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship last October in Dubai, rubbed his eyes in disbelief, clicked pictures and sent it to family and friends.

Everything so far has been nothing but fantastical for the supremely talented amateur from Rayong, who is part of the famous Arizona State University’s Sun Devils team – which has won four Green Jackets this century (Phil Mickelson thrice and Jon Rahm in 2023).

Fifa is under no illusions of adding to that tally – not this year at least – but even as he is enjoying some incredible experiences, he wants a solid weekend finish.

Fifa Laopakdee. Picture by David Paul Morris/Augusta National/Getty Images.

Part of that preparation was playing a few rounds earlier in the year with Rahm, and deriving inspiration from Woods, who is half-Thai.

Staying at Crowe’s Nest at the property, Fifa is trying to soak up everything.

“The hospitality here is amazing. They’re treating us like kings. Like, every staff member knows who we are, and they know about our backgrounds. And they’re all super friendly. It’s amazing,” said Fifa, who is known for his long-hitting abilities despite a slender frame.

“There are a lot of ASU alumni who have played this event. I’m lucky enough to talk to them. I spoke to Josele (Ballester, who won the 2024 US Amateur and played the Masters last year), and I played a few rounds with Jon Rahm.

“It’s been an honour to have those kinds of guys in town and practice alongside you and give you any answers. They were happy to answer all my questions, ease all my concerns, and give me all the tips and other strategies to use this week.

“It’s been unreal so far, but I want to make it even better by playing well this week.”

Thailand has produced several remarkable talents in the past and many have played at Augusta National. However, Fifa is the first player from his country to get a Masters invite in six years since Jazz Janewattananond played here in the 2020 Masters and finished tied 51st. The best finish by a Thai player is Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s tied 16th at the 2016 edition.

Fifa is aware that the whole nation, and the continent of Asia, wants him to do well. But that is something that he is trying not to pay any attention to.

Fifa Laopakdee and Mateo Pulcini speak to members of the media. (Picture by Benjamin Gilbert/Augusta National/Getty Images).

“To be able to represent Thailand, and the Asia-Pacific region, is a huge honour. And to be the first Thai amateur to play in the Masters, is also huge. It’s always nice to know that you’re playing for something that’s bigger than yourself,” said Fifa, who loves singing during tournament rounds to deflect any pressure, a habit that he picked up from women’s world No1 Atthaya ‘Jeeno’ Thittikul.

“The Thai fans have been very, very nice to me. It’s so good to see how much they care and how much they support me. I really feel that have my back.

“Even though I won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, I’m still the same person, same Fifa, and just trying to be myself. I am trying to keep away from the expectations back home. I am just doing what I’m supposed to do, and that’s what I do best.”

Former world No1 Woods has been an inspiration growing up.

“I grew up watching Tiger. But do I want to be like Tiger myself? Yes, but I also know we are so different. I always try, and work hard, to be the best version of myself,” said Fifa, nicknamed so by his football-loving father, after his AAC win.

“The media doesn’t say that he is half Thai, but it’s always a good reminder for me. I too have Thai blood, the same that has dominated the world of golf.”

Fifa has been paired with former Masters champion Fred Couples and Australia’s Min Woo Lee for the first two rounds. He tees off in Thursday’s opening round at 12:15pm Eastern time.