FRISCO, texas – jeeno Thitikul, teh No. 2-ranked player in the world, seized a commanding lead at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on Friday, finishing the day with consecutive birdies.
Thitikul Takes Charge
Thitikul’s impressive performance puts her three strokes ahead of the competition,while Lexi Thompson aims for a major comeback.
- Jeeno Thitikul leads by three strokes at 6-under 138.
- Lexi Thompson is contending for her first major title in over a decade.
- Only seven players were under par after two rounds.
What is Jeeno Thitikul’s position in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship? Jeeno Thitikul’s impressive performance on Friday put her in the lead at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, shooting a 2-under 70 to reach 6-under 138, establishing a three-stroke advantage over her rivals.
The Texas wind whipped across the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco, and with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees, the conditions were brutal. Only seven of the 156 players who teed off for the season’s third major were under par after two rounds. No one managed a bogey-free round.
Did you know?-The Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco is known for its challenging layout and demanding conditions, ofen testing players’ skills and endurance.
Thitikul, a five-time winner from Thailand, closed her six-hour round with consecutive birdies. She leads Rio Takeda and Minjee Lee, and is four strokes ahead of Lexi Thompson.
“To be honest, didn’t (think) it’s going to be that good result out there,” said Thitikul, 22, seeking her first major win. “Especially today just said to my coach, ‘Like if anybody can shoot under par today, that player will be really, really great.’ I’m shooting 2-under par and I was like, ‘Wow!”
after the first round, 15 players were under par. Thitikul’s opening 68 put her ahead of Minjee Lee, a fellow North Texas resident. Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked player, played with Thitikul for the first two rounds. Korda finished with a 74 and is 2 over for the week, with her only birdies coming over the final three holes.
Thompson’s Weekend Bid
though not playing a full schedule, Lexi Thompson remains competitive. She’s in the mix for her first major title in years.
Reader question:-What strategies do professional golfers like Lexi Thompson employ to maintain their competitive edge while playing a reduced schedule?
even though Thompson is now playing a partial schedule, she still dedicates time to practice and refine her game. “Any time I tee it up I want to come out here and compete and win. I just want to make sure that I’m fully ready every time I tee it up,” Thompson said.
Thompson, who had an even-par round Thursday, was bogey-free in the second round until the 18th hole. She hit her approach into a bunker and was unable to save par. thompson is in her seventh tournament this season, including all three majors. She indicated she will play again next week at the Dow Championship in Michigan before taking “a long time off.”
Thompson, 30, won the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2014. She has 13 top-five finishes in majors since 2013 and 20 top-10 finishes in those events. Her last win in any tournament was in 2019.
Thompson, who missed the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open three weeks ago and tied for fourth at the Meijer LPGA Classic last week, is taking it one shot at a time. “Come out on the weekend and just hope for the best, that’s all I can do,” she said.
Did you know? Only two players have gone at least 10 years between major wins: Sherri Steinhauer (1992 du Maurier, 2006 British Open) and Juli Inkster (1989 Chevron, 1999 U.S. Open).
Thompson’s par-savers on friday involved an 11-footer,a 6 1/2-footer and a nearly 4-footer. After her drive at the 10th, she hit her approach into a bunker. Thompson’s 5-foot putt at the par-5 14th did a 360-degree roll around the lip before dropping in.
“Made No. 10 a lot more arduous from my drive,” she said. “hit a great drive and I got it pretty close to the green, but they tucked the pin back right over there, so got a little greedy rather of just hitting it out to the left and ended up plugging it in the bunker.”
“Saving pars out there are huge.”
Thitikul’s focus on consistent performance, especially under pressure, highlights the importance of mental fortitude in professional golf. But what about the specific tactics employed by Thompson and other golfers to navigate the mental challenges inherent in major championships? Let’s delve deeper into the strategies and mindset required for success on the demanding stage of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
The Mental Game: Strategies for Championship Golf
At the highest level of professional golf, the mental aspect is often the differentiating factor between winning and losing.Lexi Thompson’s approach-taking it “one shot at a time”-underscores this.Beyond this basic principle, several key strategies help players maintain focus, manage pressure, and make crucial decisions under pressure.
- Pre-Shot Routines: Many golfers utilize a consistent pre-shot routine to prepare. This routine helps them focus on the present moment and eliminate distractions. The routine might include visualizing the shot, assessing wind conditions, and selecting the right club.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can considerably reduce anxiety and improve concentration. Many pros use meditation techniques to center themselves, allowing them to process emotions and maintain a calm demeanor during their rounds.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replacing negative thoughts with a positive internal dialog can enhance confidence and performance. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, players may remind themselves of their strengths and recent successes.
- Visualization: Mentally rehearsing shots can improve performance. Before each shot, many players visualize the entire process-the setup, the swing, the ball flight, and the result. This mental rehearsal helps to build muscle memory and boost confidence.
How do professional golfers handle the pressure of major tournaments? Professional golfers employ various mental strategies, including pre-shot routines, mindfulness practices, positive self-talk, and visualization, to manage the pressure and maintain focus during major tournaments like the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
What role does mental preparation play in golf? Mental preparation is a cornerstone of success in golf, accounting for a significant portion of a player’s performance. It equips players to manage the external pressures of competition, focus their attention and sustain a high level of performance when it matters most.
Given the intense conditions at the Fields Ranch East course, with its brutal heat and challenging layout, maintaining a strong mental game is even more critical. The ability to stay focused, manage fatigue, cope with adversity, and make smart strategic decisions will be crucial for those vying for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship title.
The pressure will ratchet in the final rounds. With the lead in hand, the challenge for Thitikul will be to maintain her approach. She must avoid the temptation of playing passively, and rather, stick to her routines and processes.For Thompson and other contenders, the key will be the ability to stay in the moment, trust their preparation, and capitalize on any opportunities that arise.
FAQ
Q: How important is course management in a major championship?
A: Course management is crucial. It involves strategic decision-making, like selecting the right club, understanding the course layout, and evaluating risk versus reward. Players must assess the best way to score, considering factors such as wind, pin placement, and the overall course design.
Q: What physical challenges do golfers face during a major?
A: Besides the physical demands of walking the course, golfers face challenges like heat, humidity, and fatigue, particularly in demanding weather conditions. Hydration, endurance, and physical recovery become key elements of their strategy.
Q: What is the role of a caddie?
A: A caddie serves as a key advisor who provides course knowledge, club selection assistance, and emotional support. They play a multifaceted role in keeping the player focused in the present moment. caddies provide valuable perspective and help the players navigate the physical and mental obstacles of a tournament.
Q: How does a golfer deal with a bad hole or a bad shot?
A: Professional golfers are trained to quickly move on from a bad shot or a poor hole. They utilize strategies like taking deep breaths, re-focusing, and reminding themselves of their overall game plan to combat the effects of negative emotions.
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