World No 1 Jeeno Thitikul successfully defended her LPGA Tour Championship title on Sunday, completing a four-under-par 68 to secure the richest prize in women’s golf at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
Jeeno closed the week on 26-under 262, finishing four strokes clear of compatriot Pajaree Anannarukarn, who carded a 66 to claim second place.
The victory – her seventh LPGA title – also sealed her third win of the season, complementing triumphs at the Mizuho Americas Open and the Shanghai event.
“I love this golf course,” Jeeno said. “Playing here in the last tournament of the year gives me really good energy.”
The Thai star became only the second player to win back-to-back Tour Championship titles, following Ko Jin-young’s 2020-21 double. Her season was highlighted by four runner-up finishes and 14 top-10 efforts, both LPGA bests this year.
Jeeno admitted she was uncertain last week in Dallas whether she would even be able to compete because of a wrist issue.
“I was worried if I’d be able to play this week,” she said. “But I wasn’t thinking too much or expecting things. Just being able to play was good enough.”
Starting the final round with a six-shot lead, she briefly saw the margin trimmed to two, but she steadied her round to close out the $11-million season finale. The win also secured the LPGA Player of the Year award and the Vare Trophy for the season’s low scoring average – breaking Annika Sorenstam’s long-standing 2002 benchmark of 68.70.
“Back then I was just six years old … had no idea what the LPGA was or what a world No 1 looked like,” Jeeno reflected. “Now I know I’m playing the hardest golf but also inspiring the next generation. It’s part of our job.”
Jeeno opened with a birdie-bogey exchange before adding a birdie at the par-five 6th. Pajaree, the final qualifier into the 60-player field, made an early charge with birdies at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th.
Jeeno reasserted control with a birdie at the 10th, and her lead grew to five when Pajaree dropped a shot at the par-three 12th before Jeeno added another birdie at the 13th.
Pajaree responded with birdies at the par-three 16th and par-five 17th but could not close the gap. Jeeno capped her victory with a birdie at the 18th from eight feet.
“It’s just amazing to be in contention and try and catch Jeeno,” Pajaree said. “She has been doing really well. I’m happy with my position – it has been an awesome week.”
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– AFP
Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Article Link: Jeeno defends LPGA Tour Championship title