India, Nov. 4 -- Over the years, I have been lucky as a golf journalist to cover some of the biggest tournaments in the world multiple times. But here is an honest confession - nothing comes close to the joy that the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) gives me as a storyteller.

That may sound like a big statement, but it really isn't.

Last week, I was at the 17th edition of the championship at the stunning Te Arai Links course near Auckland. Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee, following in the footsteps of Japanese superstar Hideki Matsuyama, became only the second player in the history of the tournament to successfully defend his title and won the ultimate prize - invites to the Masters and the Open Championship.

At the heart of any sport...