Jeeno Thitikul Conquers the LPGA Thailand at Home
The world’s number one, Jeeno Thitikul, demonstrated her supremacy by winning the LPGA Thailand tournament in her home country, surpassing Japan’s Chizzy Iwai by one stroke. Supported by the fervent local public, the Thai star remained calm under the high temperatures and intense pressure, signing a final round of 68 strokes, four under par, for a total of 24 under par, with 264 strokes. This victory represents her eighth title on the LPGA Tour and her first home win. I would give it an A triple-plus rating. I know it’s not as big as the majors, but winning in my home country means a lot to me, sometimes even more than a major. Thitikul joins Ariya Jutanugarn (2021) and Patty Tavatanakit (2024) as the only Thai women to win the tournament. The victory was even more special with the presence of her mother, who witnessed the triumph after eight previous attempts by Thitikul at the event.Iwai, world number 19, offered strong competition, briefly tying after achieving his second eagle of the day on the 10th hole, a par 5. However, the Japanese golfer did not achieve more birdies and signed a card of 66 strokes to finish in second place with 23 under par and 265 strokes. Korean Kim Hyo joo, world number 9, recorded 68 strokes to finish third with 22 under par and 266 strokes, while her compatriot Lee Somi, leader of the first round, finished fourth with 21 under par and 267 strokes. The former world number one, Lydia Ko, signed a card of 68 strokes to tie for fifth place alongside the Danish Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who achieved the lowest round of the day with an impressive 63, finishing the week with 20 under par and 268 strokes. Defending champion Angel Yin shot 70 and tied for 48th at 5-under 283. The tournament, held about 125 kilometers east of Bangkok, was the first of three consecutive events in Asia, followed by those in Singapore and China in the so-called Asian tour of the LPGA Tour.My mom came up to me after finishing the 18th hole and cried a lot. I told her that I finally won against you. She got excited, and that excited me too.
Jeeno Thitikul
