World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul secures first victory at LPGA Thailand on home soil.
CHONBURI, Thailand — World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul confirmed her status as the top player by narrowly defeating Japan’s Chizzy Iwai by one stroke to win her home LPGA Thailand tournament for the first time.
Supported by enthusiastic local fans, the Thai athlete maintained her focus amid the heat and pressure, finishing with a final round of 4-under-par 68, totaling 24-under-par 264.
This victory marked her eighth title on the LPGA Tour and her inaugural win in her home country.
“I would rate it A triple-plus,” remarked the 23-year-old. “I understand it’s not as significant as the majors, but winning in my home country holds immense value for me — sometimes even more than a major.”
Thitikul became the third Thai player to win this tournament, following Ariya Jutanugarn in 2021 and Patty Tavatanakit in 2024.
The achievement was particularly meaningful as her mother was present to witness it, after Thitikul had made eight previous attempts at the event.
“My mom came up to me after I finished 18 and she cried a lot,” Thitikul shared. “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 strong fight, briefly tying the score after making her second eagle of the day on the par-5 10th.
However, the Japanese golfer did not add any more birdies and finished with a score of 66, ending as the runner-up at 23-under-par 265.
Korea’s Kim Hyo joo, ranked No. 9 in the world, recorded a 68 to secure third place at 22-under-par 266, while her compatriot Lee Somi, who led after the first round, concluded in fourth at 21-under-par 267.
Former world No. 1 Lydia Ko shot a 68 to tie for fifth with Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who delivered the best round of the day with an impressive 63, as both finished the tournament at 20-under-par 268.
Defending champion Angel Yin posted a score of 70, placing her in a tie for 48th at 5-under 283.
The tournament, located approximately 125 kilometers (75 miles) east of Bangkok, was the first of three consecutive events in Asia, with upcoming tournaments in Singapore and China as part of the early Asian swing on the LPGA Tour.
