World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul Claims First Victory on Home Soil at Honda LPGA Thailand 🏆🇹🇭
Jeeno Thitikul triumphed at the Honda LPGA Thailand with a 24-under finish, edging out Chizzy Iwai by one stroke. Her mother was there to witness this emotional eighth LPGA Tour win. 🥹💚
CHONBURI, Thailand - The top-ranked player in women's golf, Jeeno Thitikul, delivered a masterclass performance on home turf, securing her maiden Honda LPGA Thailand title with a one-stroke victory over Japan's Chizzy Iwai.
With passionate Thai fans cheering her on under the blazing sun, the 23-year-old sensation maintained her focus through challenging conditions and mounting pressure. She closed with a stellar 4-under-par 68 to finish at an impressive 24-under-par 264. 🔥
This triumph marks her eighth LPGA Tour title and her first win in Thailand.
"I would rate it A triple-plus," Thitikul shared. "I know it is not as big as the majors, but winning in my home country means so much to me. Sometimes it means even more than a major."
She becomes the third Thai champion of this event, joining Ariya Jutanugarn (2021) and Patty Tavatanakit (2024) in the history books. 📚
The moment became even more meaningful with her mother present after eight previous attempts at this tournament.
"My mom came up to me after I finished 18 and she cried a lot," Thitikul revealed. "I told her I finally won in front of you. She was emotional, and that made me emotional too." 💕
World No. 19 Iwai put up a fierce fight, briefly tying for the lead after draining her second eagle of the day on the par-5 10th. However, she could not add any more birdies and finished runner-up at 23-under-par 265 after a 66.
Korea's Hyo Joo Kim (world No. 9) shot 68 to claim third place at 22-under-par 266, while compatriot Somi Lee, who led after round two, settled for fourth at 21-under-par 267.
Former world No. 1 Lydia Ko posted a 68 to share fifth place with Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who fired the day's lowest round with a brilliant 63. Both finished at 20-under-par 268. ⛳
Defending champion Angel Yin shot 70 and tied for 48th at 5-under 283.
This event, held approximately 125 kilometers (75 miles) east of Bangkok, kicks off three consecutive weeks of competition in Asia. The tour moves next to Singapore and then China as part of the early Asian swing on the LPGA Tour. 🌏
