Jeeno Thitikul demonstrated his dominance at the CME Group Tour Championship with an impressive round of 64 strokes, adding nine birdies for the second consecutive day. This performance secured him a six-stroke lead heading into the final round. The Thai golfer, currently number one in the world, is one step away from obtaining all the LPGA Tour prizes, including a check for 4 million dollars for the victory. Thitikul practically secured the LPGA Player of the Year award and the Vare Trophy, which is awarded to the lowest scoring average. In addition, she could set a new LPGA record, depending on her performance in the final round. Nelly Korda, despite a round of 65 strokes, did not get close to the leader. She is six strokes away, as is Pajaree Anannarukarn of Thailand, who also recorded a round of 65 at Tiburon Golf Club. Thitikul has a total of 22 under par, with a score of 196. The player already won the tournament last year with a score of 22 under par, and has made it clear that her work is not yet finished.
After a bogey on the first hole, Thitikul strung together four birdies in five holes, quickly regaining her momentum. Then, she achieved four consecutive birdies in the second half of the course, solidifying her control over the tournament. The final showdown will pit the two best players in the world against each other, but Thitikul’s performance this week suggests a clear dominance.Trying to make birdies and birdies and birdies.
Jeeno Thitikul
Thitikul has made 24 birdies in the 54 holes played this week, with only five missed fairways and six greens not reached in regulation before the final round. Korda does not plan to change his strategy despite the six-stroke deficit on 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 pin and then make the putt. Simple strategy.
Jeeno Thitikul
This is your last chance to avoid a winless second season in three years on the LPGA. The exception was last year, when she won seven times, including a second major. Anannarukarn, player number 60 and the last to qualify for the season-ending tournament, where the 60 participants have the opportunity to win the $4 million prize regardless of their ranking, achieved an eagle on the sixth hole and is making the most of her opportunity.You’re out there competing hard and trying to win, but you also have to not get ahead of yourself and play the game. Because if you start to get ahead of yourself a little bit and push a little too hard, those mistakes start to appear and it’s not going to be beneficial.
Nelly Korda
Sei Young Kim, who played in the final group with Thitikul, had to settle for a 68, leaving her seven strokes behind in fourth place. Gaby Lopez of Mexico recorded the lowest round of the week, with a 62. The focus is on Thitikul, who has the opportunity to join Jin Young Ko of South Korea as the only consecutive winners of the CME Group Tour Championship.Pretty cool. Going into this week I think it was a good opportunity that I had to go into 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 showing and moving in a good direction.
Pajaree Anannarukarn
