Jeeno Thitikul, with an impressive performance, is shaping up as the big favorite to take the CME Group Tour Championship. The Thai golfer, number one in the world, signed a card of 64 strokes (-8) for the second consecutive day, consolidating a six-stroke lead over her competitors.
Thitikul, one step away from glory
Thitikul is one step away from sweeping all the LPGA Tour awards, in addition to a $4 million check for the winner. She has practically secured the LPGA Player of the Year award and the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average, and could set a new LPGA record depending on her final round.Nelly Korda, despite a round of 65 strokes, couldn’t close the gap and is six strokes behind the leader, as is Pajaree Anannarukarn, also from Thailand, who matched Korda’s score with 65 strokes at the Tiburon Golf Club.Thitikul, with a total of 196 strokes (-22), demonstrated her determination, surpassing even her own score from last year of -22.After a bogey on the first hole, Thitikul reacted with four birdies in five holes, regaining momentum. In the second half of the round, she strung together four consecutive birdies, solidifying her dominance in the tournament.The last day will pit the two best players in the world against each other, but Thitikul’s superiority has been evident throughout the week.Trying to make birdies and birdies and birdies.
Jeeno Thitikul
With 24 birdies in 54 holes and only five missed fairways and six missed greens, Thitikul has demonstrated a solid and consistent game.Korda, aware of the six-stroke disadvantage, does not plan to change his strategy for Sunday.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 hole and then make the putt. Simple strategy.
Jeeno Thitikul
Anannarukarn, the last player to qualify for the tournament, is making the most of her opportunity, achieving an eagle on the sixth hole.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 won’t be beneficial.
Nelly Korda
Sei Young Kim, who played in the final group with Thitikul, settled for a round of 68 strokes, finishing seven strokes behind the leader. Gaby López from Mexico achieved the best round of the week with 62 strokes.Thitikul has the opportunity to join Jin Young Ko as the only consecutive winners of the CME Group Tour Championship.Pretty cool. Getting to this week I think was a good opportunity that I had this week and with the way I’ve been playing this season, I’m very happy with the way I’ve been playing. It’s incredible to see the results show and move in a good direction.
Pajaree Anannarukarn
