Thitikul Crushes: 9 Birdies and Solid Lead in LPGA Final, 6-Shot Advantage!

In Naples, Florida, Jeeno Thitikul demonstrated her mastery on the golf course by accumulating nine birdies for the second consecutive day, achieving an impressive 64 strokes under par. This outstanding performance allowed the Thai golfer to extend her lead to six strokes on the eve of the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship. Thitikul, who holds the first place in the women’s world golf ranking, is one step away from obtaining all the LPGA Tour prizes, including a check for $4 million for the victory. The golfer 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 recording a card of 65 strokes, failed to reduce the distance with Thitikul, remaining six strokes behind the leader. Pajaree Anannarukarn, also from Thailand, matched Korda’s performance with a round of 65 strokes at Tiburón Golf Club. Thitikul is at a total of 22 under par, with a cumulative score of 196 strokes. It is important to note that the golfer won the championship last year with a score of 22 under par, and has made it clear that her work is not yet done.

Trying to make birdies and birdies and birdies.

Jeeno Thitikul

After a bogey on the first hole, Thitikul strung together four birdies in five holes, regaining her momentum. Subsequently, she achieved four consecutive birdies in the final nine holes, solidifying her control over the tournament. The last pair to compete will be formed by the two best players in the world, but the way Thitikul has played this week suggests a clear superiority.

I just tried to do the same thing. Trying to go for the fairway, trying to find the best we can to get close to the pin and then make the putt. Simple strategy.

Jeeno Thitikul

Thitikul has achieved 24 birdies in the 54 holes played this week, with only five missed fairways and six missed greens in the final round. Korda does not plan to change his strategy despite the six-stroke deficit on Sunday.

You’re competing hard and trying to win, but you also have to avoid getting ahead of yourself and play the game. Because if you start getting ahead of yourself and pushing too hard, those mistakes start to appear and it’s not going to be beneficial.

Nelly Korda

This is your last chance to avoid your second winless season in three years on the LPGA. The exception was last year, when she won seven times, including a second major. Anannarukarn, the player number 60 and last to qualify for the season-ending tournament, where all participants have the opportunity to win the $4 million prize regardless of their ranking, made a chip-in for eagle on the sixth hole, making the most of her opportunity.

Pretty cool. Going into this week, I think it was a good opportunity that I had, and with the way I’ve been playing this season, I’m very happy with my game. It’s incredible to see the results are showing and moving in a good direction.

Pajaree Anannarukarn

Sei Young Kim, who played in the final group with Thitikul, had to settle for a 68, finishing seven strokes behind in fourth place. Gaby López, from Mexico, shot the lowest round of the week, with a 62. The main focus is on Thitikul, who has the possibility of joining Jin Young Ko, from South Korea, as the only consecutive winners of the CME Group Tour Championship.