Jeeno Thitikul Claims LPGA Title, Sets New Scoring Record at CME Group Tour Championship
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A dominant performance at the CME Group Tour Championship on Sunday secured Jeeno Thitikul not only the victory but also a place in LPGA history with the lowest scoring average in the tour’s 75-year history.
NAPLES, Fla. – Jeeno Thitikul capped off a remarkable year in women’s golf with a four-shot victory at the CME Group Tour Championship,overcoming recent adversity to achieve a career milestone. The win, her third of the year, comes with a record $4 million payday and solidifies her position as the No.1 player in the world.
Overcoming Obstacles on the Road to Victory
Thitikul’s path to success wasn’t without its challenges. Just two months prior, a heartbreaking four-putt finish cost her the Kroger Queen City Championship. “I have the ice pack put in my eyes because I cried so bad,” she admitted, reflecting on the emotional toll of that loss. Adding to the pressure, a wrist injury sustained during practice last week threatened her participation in the season finale at Tiburon Golf Club. She adjusted her training regimen, focusing on simply completing all four rounds. “I think earlier in the week I just saying be able to finish four rounds of golf here just more than I could ask for already,” she stated. “But standing here with the trophy on Sunday, it’s just like more than I really, really could ask for for sure.”
A Record-Breaking Performance
Thitikul’s final-round 4-under 68, punctuated by a crucial birdie on the 18th hole, sealed both the championship and the scoring record. Her average of 68.681 narrowly surpassed Annika Sorenstam’s previous record of 68.697 set in 2002. “I mean, like never, ever dreaming having that record at all,” Thitikul said. “And then one time that I can be the lowest score average in my whole career should be really amazing.”
The victory also makes her the second back-to-back winner of the CME Group Tour Championship, joining Jin Young Ko in achieving this feat.
A Tight Contest with a Dominant Finish
Starting the final day with a six-shot lead over nelly Korda,Thitikul faced an early surge from fellow Thai golfer Pajaree Anannarukarn,who briefly closed the gap to two shots with a string of birdies. Though, Thitikul responded with birdies on the 10th and 13th holes, regaining control of the tournament. she remained unaware of just how close the competition was until reaching the 17th hole. Thitikul finished at 26-under 262, securing her LPGA Player of the Year title – a result confirmed regardless of the performance of Women’s Open champion Miyu Yamashita.
Korda’s Season of Transition
The tournament also marked a significant shift in the LPGA rankings, with Thitikul replacing Korda as the No. 1 player. Korda experienced a contrasting year, becoming the first golfer as Tiger Woods in 2010 to follow a season of seven wins with a winless subsequent year. Despite a challenging front nine on Sunday, Korda rallied with an eagle on the 11th and a 31 on the back nine to finish third. She will continue to compete in the mixed-team Grant thornton Invitational and the PNC Championship with her father next month.
Reflecting on her year, Korda described it as “a grind.” “I feel like there was a lot of ups and downs and it made me grow a lot mentally, and I would say I’m just also vrey grateful for it because success is never linear,” she added.
