Thailand’s Gino Titikkun (21) won the CME Group Tour Championship, the final match of the LPGA Tour season, by one stroke. She became the owner of the largest winning prize in women’s golf history (4 million dollars, approximately 5.6 billion won).
In the final 4th round of the tournament held at Tiburon Country Club (par 72) in Naples, Florida, USA on the 25th, Titikkun reduced 7 strokes with 1 eagle, 6 birdies, and 1 bogey, recording a final total of 22 under par 266 strokes. He beat America’s Angel In (26) by one stroke. It was his second win of the season and fourth overall on tour. Titikkun, who was the Rookie of the Year in the 2022 season, changed his player registration name from Ataya to Gino, his childhood nickname, in the middle of this season. This is because it is easy for people to remember and is unique.
Titti, who won $4 million in winnings, recorded $6.06 million (approximately 8.5 billion won) in season prize money, surpassing the $6 million mark for the first time in tour history. It surpassed Lorena Ochoa (43)’s $4.36 million (approximately 6.1 billion won) in 2007. By winning this tournament, Titi surpassed Nellie Korda (26), who earned her 7th win of the season, and became the top prize money winner. CME Group, the main sponsor of the competition, doubled the prize money, which was $2 million last year, this year.
In addition, Titikkun took first place in the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, which ranks players by adding up the scores of specific holes set for each competition throughout the season, and earned a bonus of $1 million (approximately 1.4 billion won).
Titikkun, who was in second place by two strokes behind In until the 16th hole, pulled off a comeback in the last two holes. After tying the score with an eagle on the 17th hole (par 5), he succeeded with a birdie on the 18th hole (par 4) to turn the game around. The runner-up prize was $1 million, so Titti earned $3 million more with this birdie putt.
On this day, In, who continued to play flawlessly by winning 6 birdies and no bogeys, was unable to reduce the number of strokes in the last 2 holes and gave up the championship trophy in front of him. He seemed to be shaken by Titikun’s eagle and missed a short birdie putt on the 17th hole.
After the tournament, Titikkun said, “I don’t know how I did on the 17th and 18th holes. “I thought this competition was another opportunity to further my career,” he said. However, regarding the record for the largest prize money ever, “$1 million (earned through the Aon Risk Rewards Challenge) is enough. We are not here for the prize money. “We are here to further grow the game of golf.”
With Titikkun’s win, Thai players combined for 6 wins this season, setting a record for the most wins in a season since Ariya Jutanugarn achieved his first win in May 2016. Thailand ranked second this season behind the United States (12 wins).
On the other hand, Korean players only managed three wins this season. This is the lowest record in 13 years since 3 wins in 2011. Lim Jin-hee’s Rookie of the Year award and Yoo Hae-ran’s bid to win the Bear Trophy (lowest number of hits) were also defeated. The Rookie of the Year award went to Mao Saigo and the Bear Trophy went to two Japanese players, Ayaka Furue. Furue is the first Japanese player to win the Bear Trophy.
Reporter Kang Hong-gu [email protected]
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How do mental toughness and resilience affect performance in high-stakes golf tournaments?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Golf Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have an exciting topic to discuss—the recent victory of Thailand’s Gino Titikkun in the CME Group Tour Championship. To help unravel the significance of this win, we have golf expert Dr. Lisa Harrington with us. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Harrington.
Dr. Harrington: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a thrilling event.
Editor: Gino Titikkun made headlines not just for her win but also for claiming the largest prize in women’s golf history—$4 million. How does this milestone impact the perception of women’s golf?
Dr. Harrington: It’s monumental! This victory not only elevates Gino’s profile but also spotlights the growth and potential of women’s golf. For years, the sport has been fighting for greater recognition and equitable prize purses. This kind of financial acknowledgment is a significant step forward.
Editor: And her performance was quite remarkable, finishing 22 under par and coming from behind to secure the win with an eagle and a birdie on the final holes. What does such a comeback say about her mental toughness?
Dr. Harrington: Gino’s ability to perform under pressure is truly commendable. Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. Coming from two strokes behind on the 17th hole, and then executing critical shots to secure victory, showcases her resilience and focus. This is what separates great players from the rest.
Editor: She also changed her player registration name from Ataya to Gino mid-season—quite a personal touch. What do you think prompted this change?
Dr. Harrington: Names carry a lot of weight in sports. Gino is a childhood nickname, and it’s much easier for fans to remember and pronounce. This move may have been a strategic branding decision, allowing her to connect more personally with her audience. Such changes can significantly affect a player’s marketability and fan engagement.
Editor: Interesting point! She surpassed previous records, including Lorena Ochoa’s long-standing prize money record. How does her achievement influence the competition among female golfers?
Dr. Harrington: Gino’s success sets a new benchmark and motivates other players to raise their game. It sends a strong message that top performances can lead to greater rewards. Competition may become fiercer as aspiring golfers see what’s achievable. It emphasizes the possibility of building a lucrative career in women’s golf.
Editor: And don’t forget—this season, Thai players combined for six wins, reflecting a strong showing. What does this tell us about the development of golf in Thailand?
Dr. Harrington: Thailand has a rich golfing culture, and the success of players like Gino and Ariya Jutanugarn is inspiring a new generation. It suggests that coaching, support, and infrastructure are improving, which is crucial in nurturing talent. The country is rapidly becoming a powerhouse in women’s golf.
Editor: Meanwhile, Korean players struggled this season with only three wins. What do you think could be the reason for this downturn?
Dr. Harrington: Competitive sports experience fluctuations. The focus in Korea could be shifting or perhaps a lack of emerging talents is hindering performance. It serves as a reminder that sports is cyclical; teams and players can go through periods of dominance and challenges. It might be a wake-up call for the Korean golf community to reassess training and development strategies.
Editor: Gino emphasized that “we are here to further grow the game of golf” rather than just focusing on prize money. How important is this perspective for future generations?
Dr. Harrington: Absolutely vital! Winners like Gino serve as role models not just for aspiring golfers but for anyone pursuing ambitious careers. Her commitment to growing the sport can inspire young girls worldwide to pick up a club and dream big. It emphasizes the idea that sportsmanship and passion for the game are just as important as financial success.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harrington, for your insights! Gino Titikkun’s victory certainly marks a turning point in women’s golf, and we look forward to seeing how this unfolds in the coming seasons.
Dr. Harrington: Thank you! I’m excited about the future of the sport, and it’s been a pleasure discussing it with you.