Jeeno Thitikul's remarkable journey reached a new pinnacle on Sunday, as the World No. 1 clinched her first victory on home soil at the Honda LPGA Thailand. Shooting a composed four-under 68, Thitikul sealed the win with a tap-in par on the 18th hole, finishing with an impressive 24-under total. Her triumph was just one shot ahead of Chizzy Iwai at the picturesque Siam Country Club.
This emotional victory, celebrated in front of family and friends, was a moment to cherish. Thitikul expressed the significance of the win, stating, “I would rate it like A plus plus plus plus something.” While not a major, for Thitikul, winning in her homeland carried a unique weight, perhaps even surpassing the prestige of a major championship.
The scene on the 18th was heartwarming, as Thitikul shared a touching moment with her mother, Siriwan. With water bottles spraying in celebration, it marked the first time Siriwan witnessed her daughter's LPGA victory in person.
“It meant a lot. My mom came up to me when I finished on 18 and she cried a lot,” Thitikul reflected, highlighting the emotional depth of the occasion.
Holding a two-shot lead after 54 holes, Thitikul faced a formidable challenge from Iwai, one of the sport’s promising young talents. Iwai delivered a stellar six-under 66, narrowly missing a birdie putt on the 15th that could have shifted the momentum. Her twin sister Akie was there to provide comfort, underscoring the close-knit nature of the tour.
Thitikul’s victory was a fitting celebration of her 23rd birthday, marked by a dazzling nine-under 63 on Friday. The fans were with her every step of the way, serenading her throughout the tournament and following her in large numbers on the final day.
This win marks Thitikul’s third in her last five starts, continuing a dominant run that saw her named Rolex Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Her Sunday round included birdies on the 1st, 6th, 7th, and 8th holes, with only two bogeys throughout the tournament. Each time Iwai challenged, Thitikul responded with poise.
With this victory, Thitikul pocketed $270,000, bringing her career earnings to $17,704,399 as she embarks on her fifth year on tour. As she walked up the 18th fairway, acknowledging her fans, and celebrated with arms raised after the final putt, it was clear this was a moment that will linger in her memory for years to come.