Thitikul Crushes: 9 Birdies and Leads LPGA Final by 6 Strokes

Jeeno Thitikul Dominates the CME Group Tour Championship

Thai golfer Jeeno Thitikul, world number one, has starred in an impressive performance at the CME Group Tour Championship, consolidating her leading position with an outstanding round. Thitikul achieved nine birdies for the second consecutive day, culminating in an impressive 64 that allowed her to extend her lead to six strokes heading into the final round. Her exceptional performance puts her one step away from obtaining all the LPGA Tour prizes and the coveted $4 million check for the victory. The Thai player is about to secure 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.

Trying to make birdies and birdies and birdies.

Jeeno Thitikul

Nelly Korda, with a round of 65, is six strokes away, as is Pajaree Anannarukarn, also from Thailand, who matched Korda’s score at Tiburon Golf Club. Thitikul demonstrated her dominance with a total of 22 under par, a remarkable achievement considering she won last year with 22 under par. Her strategy, in her own words, is based on precision and consistency: “Trying to go for the fairway, trying to find the best position to get close to the pin and then make the putt.” With 24 birdies in 54 holes, and only five missed fairways and six missed greens, Thitikul has demonstrated impeccable play. Korda, for her part, will seek to close the gap on Sunday, remaining calm and focusing on her game. Anannarukarn, who was the last player to qualify for the tournament, has made the most of her opportunity, highlighting the importance of this week for her performance in the season. Sei Young Kim, who played in the final group with Thitikul, finished in fourth place with a 68, seven strokes behind the leader. Gaby López of Mexico achieved the best round of the week with a 62. Thitikul has the opportunity to join Jin Young Ko as the only consecutive winners of the CME Group Tour Championship.