MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 7, 2026

Fifa Laopakdee

Quick Quotes

Q. Fifa, I wanted to ask you, Arizona State has a devotion to documenting the trials and tribulations of their college golf team on social media. Do you feel that that has helped you with the extra attention you're getting this week at the Masters?

FIFA LAOPAKDEE: Good question, Ben. I don't really think about that. As I mentioned, I'm still the same person, no matter what. I don't really feel nerves out here. I feel like I belong here, and it's more like excitement more than nervous. It's going to be a good week.

Q. Talk about the amateur dinner. I don't know what your preconceptions were about what that night would mean, how it would emotionally impact you. But what were your initial feelings of that evening?

FIFA LAOPAKDEE: It was amazing to meet all those guys. I mean, it's just an incredible night. The food was great, everything. Yeah, everything about it just feels amazing. You get to sit down with some guys that are super friendly, and from like the U.S. Amateur Champion from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. It's just amazing, and they're kind enough to give us all the tips and strategies for this week, which was very helpful.

Q. I'm sure you met a lot of people last night, but who is one person that you met that you're like oh, my God, I got to meet this guy and had a great conversation with him?

FIFA LAOPAKDEE: I met him a couple times, Mr. Ridley. Every time I talk to him, I just feel amazing. He's so super friendly. No matter what question you ask, he's willing to answer all questions. And he's just one of the nicest guys I've ever met, even though he's the chairman of Augusta National and he has so much going on every day, but Mr. Ridley is amazing.

Q. You mentioned that you're comfortable here, you belong here, you deserve to be here. What about the golf course and about everything that's going on has made you feel calm and excited and secure in having a place in this championship?

FIFA LAOPAKDEE: I just feel like all the grounds, all the practice that I do for my whole life makes me feel this is what I practiced for, and I just feel like I belong here, because I don't feel like -- I mean, I'm still amateur. I'm not doing this as a real job yet. So it's just one kid playing out here with the pros.

Literally no one expects me to play good or like win this tournament. So everyone just have really low expectations for me. So I just get the weight off my shoulders a lot.

I'm just out here to have fun, go out and smile, even though shank or hit someone or kill someone, I'm just going to smile.

Q. What song was in your head as you were going down Magnolia Lane today?

FIFA LAOPAKDEE: We still play the same town "Funky Town."

Q. Okay. It's still play "Funky Town?"

FIFA LAOPAKDEE: Yeah. It works every time.

Q. All right, man. Keep it funky!