Thitikul Shows Dominance: 9 Birdies and Solid Leadership on the LPGA Tour

Jeeno Thitikul Dominates the CME Group Tour Championship

Thai golfer Jeeno Thitikul has demonstrated absolute dominance at the CME Group Tour Championship, solidifying her position with an impressive round of 64 strokes, eight under par. This outstanding performance gives her a six-stroke lead heading into the final round of the tournament. Thitikul, currently the number one in women’s golf, is one step away from obtaining all the LPGA Tour awards, in addition to the coveted $4 million check for the winner. The player has practically secured the LPGA Player of the Year award and the Vare Trophy, which recognizes the lowest scoring average. In addition, she could set a new LPGA record, depending on her performance in the final round. Nelly Korda, despite an outstanding round of 65 strokes, is six strokes away. Pajaree Anannarukarn, also from Thailand, ties Korda with a score of 65. Thitikul exhibits an impressive total of 22 under par, with a clear determination to maintain her performance. Her strategy focuses on “making birdies and more birdies”, as she herself stated. After a bogey on the first hole, Thitikul reacted with four birdies in five holes, regaining momentum. Subsequently, she strung together four consecutive birdies in the second half of the course, solidifying her control over the tournament.

“Trying to go down the street, trying to find the best possible position to get closer to the hole and then sink it. Simple strategy”

Jeeno Thitikul

The golfer has accumulated 24 birdies in the 54 holes played so far and has missed only five fairways and six greens before the final round. Korda, with a six-stroke deficit, doesn’t plan to modify her strategy for Sunday. Anannarukarn, the last player to qualify for the tournament, has made the most of her opportunity, including an eagle on the sixth hole.

“Very good. I think it was a good opportunity I had this week and I am very happy with my game this season. It’s incredible to see that the results are showing and are going in a good direction”

Pajaree Anannarukarn

Sei Young Kim, Thitikul’s playing partner in the final group, achieved a round of 68 strokes, finishing seven strokes behind the leader in fourth position. Gaby López, from Mexico, signed the best round of the week with 62 strokes. Thitikul has the chance to join Jin Young Ko as the only consecutive winners of the CME Group Tour Championship.