Jeeno Thitikul secured the largest prize in women’s golf history by winning the CME Group Tour Championship.
With a final round score of 65 at Tiburon Golf Club, she claimed her fourth LPGA Tour victory and a whopping $4 million from an $11 million purse, also earning her first Race to the CME Globe title. Starting tied with Angel Yin after a stunning nine-under 63 on Saturday, which included seven birdies and an eagle, Thitikul played brilliantly on Sunday too.
Despite not reaching Saturday’s heights, Thitikul delivered a solid seven-under 65 to edge out Yin by one shot, finishing at 22-under for the tournament. She began strongly with two birdies in the first three holes while Yin started with three pars. The game was neck-and-neck after Thitikul bogeyed and Yin birdied on the fourth hole.
Final Showdown:
On the back nine, Yin took charge with birdies on holes 10 and 12, gaining a two-shot lead. But Thitikul fought back with consecutive birdies on holes 13 and 14. Still trailing by one after Yin’s birdie on the same hole, fans might have thought it was all over for Thitikul.
Yin extended her lead again with another birdie on the 16th. It seemed like nothing could stop her until Thitikul made an incredible eagle putt on the very next hole to tie things up after Yin missed her own birdie attempt wide.
Watch out ⚠️@Jeeno_atthaya drains the eagle on 17 to tie the lead at -21!
— LPGA (@LPGA)
The championship came down to the last hole. Thitikul’s approach shot landed just feet from the pin, setting up a perfect chance for a decisive birdie.
Jeeno, are you joking?! 🤯
This approach sets her up for birdie on 18
— LPGA (@LPGA)
After Yin settled for par, Jeeno confidently sank her putt to clinch this monumental win. What do you think about such thrilling finishes?
