Thai sensation Jeeno Thitikul, the women’s World No 1.
By Raquel Stevens
FOR World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, staying at the pinnacle of golf requires much more than collecting titles.
Recently at the HSBC Women’s World Championships in Singapore, the 23-year-old Thai sensation reflected on the psychological evolution that allowed her to reclaim the top spot, and specifically how she changed the way she speaks to herself on the course.
“When I hit World no 1 the first time, I was only 19. I think I was so young, and I put a lot of pressure on myself. People had eyes on me, and at that time things got more serious. Even if I missed one shot, I felt that was bad. I’ve matured, and now when I take a bad shot, I say to myself, it’s ok, you have another one.”
Handling the suffocating pressure of professional golf is a constant battle. Thitikul’s secret lies in equanimity and a refusal to let the weight of expectation strip away her passion for the game.
“I think I always stay grounded. The nerves are always going to be there, but you have to beat the nerves. But I like to tell myself, this is the time that you need to enjoy it. You need joy with the nervous moments. That’s why I kind of try to dance in the rain.”
This mindset is echoed by 13-year veteran, Lydia Ko. Having reached World No. 1 at just 17, the now 29-year-old understands the grit required to maintain a seat at the table.
When discussing the unique ingredient required to be on top, Ko said, “you look at the Rory’s of the world. You have to be a little bit different, a little bit special.”
Jeeno Thitikul.
This philosophy paid dividends for Thitikul recently at the Honda LPGA Thailand when she became just the third Thai player to win the event—a victory she values as “sometimes more than a major” because it happened in front of her home fans and, for the first time in her LPGA career, her entire family.
“I finally won the tournament in front of you, honestly, I have to say it feels beyond a dream, because everyone is here. My mum, my dad, grandma and grandpa. It makes me feel incredibly special.”
Thitikul’s dominance in 2025 was historic. She secured the Vare Trophy for the LPGA Tour’s lowest-ever scoring average, eclipsing a record held by the legendary Annika Sorenstam since 2002. She also successfully defended her Tour Championship title in Naples, Florida, taking home a $4 million winner’s check, the largest in women’s golf history.
Despite the accolades, Thitikul remains focused on her role as an ambassador for the sport.
“It definitely means a lot. Back then, when I was six years old, I was a really young kid that had no idea what LPGA was, what a world No.1 looked like. But as I’m stepping here on the LPGA Tour, I know our part is playing golf but also inspiring the next generation is part of our job as well.”
Central to her success is her long-term partnership with caddie Banpot Bunpisansaree, who was named the 2025 Caddie of the Year. Their bond transcends the typical professional relationship.
“I often compare the caddy – player relationship to a couple. You definitely can argue, because you don’t always think the same way for the whole round, and for the entire year. Banpot and I have been working together for almost 10 years. He can be my caddy, he can be my big brother, and at times my father.
I am so very grateful to have him on my bag.”
Behind the scenes, Thitikul is as generous as she is competitive. In the past two years she has quietly funnelled over $US600,000 into building educational infrastructure in rural Thailand. Her manager, Jack Nitiwanakui, said that while Jeeno is reluctant to discuss her charity, her heart is set on making a difference.
“This is where she grew up, the community is very grateful, they have very little. Jeeno has a very big heart, and she wants to give back and change lives.”
With eight career wins and over $17.7 million in earnings, Thitikul has conquered almost every peak in the sport. However, when asked if there was one elusive milestone that remains on her list, she smiled, “There is something, a hole in one might be nice.”
Jeeno by the Numbers (following the HSBC World Championship in Singapore)
World Ranking – No 1
Career Wins – 8
Career Earnings – $17.7 Million
Scoring Average – 68.00
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