17-Year-Old Golfer Anshul Mishra Creates History with Top-10 Finish at Asia Pacific Amateur Championship
Dubai, October 26, 2025 — Displaying remarkable composure and skill beyond his age, India’s 17-year-old golf sensation Anshul Mishra etched his name in the record books after securing a Top-10 finish at the prestigious Asia Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), held at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.
With a total score of 9-under 279, Mishra finished tied-seventh, becoming only the third Indian ever to achieve a Top-10 finish at the AAC. The feat places him alongside India’s earlier achievers Khalin Joshi (2010) and Rayhan Thomas (2018).
Young Prodigy Shines on Debut
Participating in the Asia Pacific Championship for the first time, Mishra — who celebrated his 17th birthday just three days before the tournament — impressed spectators with his maturity, technical precision, and calmness under pressure.
The reigning All India Amateur Champion, Mishra carded a 2-under 70 in the final round, following earlier rounds of 72, 69, and 68. His performance was a roller-coaster of eight birdies and six bogeys but was enough to secure a spot among the top contenders.
Speaking after the tournament, Mishra reflected on his experience, saying he drew inspiration from observing professional golfers at the DP World India Championship the week before. “I feel like I managed the course pretty well this week. Watching Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood at the DGC taught me a lot about composure and course management,” he said.
Fifa Laopakdee Wins After Dramatic Playoff
Thailand’s Pongsapak ‘Fifa’ Laopakdee produced a stunning comeback to win the 2025 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, clinching the title after a tense three-hole playoff against Japan’s Taisei Nagasaki, the 16-year-old overnight leader.
Starting six shots behind, Fifa fired a final-round 67 and forced a playoff with a birdie-birdie finish. He then birdied the final playoff hole to secure victory, earning an invitation to both the 2026 Masters and The Open Championship.
Fifa, the 20-year-old Arizona University golfer, said after the win, “My father loves football – that’s how I got my nickname, ‘Fifa’. I’ve been singing with my caddie all day, and I’m thrilled to have achieved my dream.”
India’s Strong Performance on the Global Stage
Mishra’s Top-10 finish underscored India’s growing presence in global amateur golf. Out of five Indian players in the field, four made the cut.
- Raghav Gulati finished T-27 at 1-over.
- Rakshit Dahiya, ranked India’s top amateur at WAGR 342, finished T-42.
- Ranveer Mitroo finished T-48, while Harman Sachdeva missed the cut.
For Mishra, who was accompanied by his father Amit Mishra and guided by coach Jesse Grewal, the experience was transformative. “I just need to eliminate the bogeys. If I had managed a clean round, I might have been in the playoff,” he said with a laugh, reflecting on his performance.
Rising Star with a Bright Future
Born in 2008, a year before the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship began, Mishra’s meteoric rise marks him as one of India’s brightest golfing prospects. His poise and technique have drawn comparisons to top young golfers from across Asia.
The 2026 edition of the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship will be held at Te Arai Links, New Zealand, and golf enthusiasts are already eager to see if Mishra will build on this momentum.
Mishra summed up his experience saying, “It was just one of those days — a mix of ups and downs, but I loved every moment of competing at the Majilis Course. Shooting eight birdies here felt special.”
Why It Matters
Mishra’s historic Top-10 finish not only showcases the rising standard of Indian amateur golf but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the country. His performance reinforces India’s potential to produce world-class golfers capable of competing on the biggest international stages.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Anshul Mishra’s breakthrough moment at the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship 2025 is more than just a personal triumph — it’s a reflection of India’s evolving golfing landscape. As young talents like Mishra continue to emerge, India’s footprint in international golf is set to grow stronger. His journey from a promising amateur to a global competitor embodies the future of Indian sports — driven, fearless, and inspiring.