Jeeno Thitikul Secures Dramatic Victory Over Angel Yin at LPGA Finale

Jeeno Thitikul’s final round at the CME Group Tour Championship included one eagle, six birdies, and a bogey. The final leaderboard standings were: -22 J Thitikul (Tha) -21 A Yin (US) -17 L Ko (NZ) -16 R Yin (Chi) -15 N-R An (Kor), N Korda (US) Selected others: -12 C Boutier (Fra) -11 C Hull (Eng) -4 L Maguire (Ire) Full leaderboard Thai golfer Jeeno Thitikul, aged 21, clinched a dramatic win at the LPGA Tour’s season-ending event in Florida, achieving an eagle and a birdie on the last two holes. She drew even with American Angel Yin at 21 under par following her score of three on the par-five 17th. On the 18th hole, Yin’s long putt to reach 22 under narrowly missed, paving the way for Thitikul, who, aided by an excellent approach shot, sank her birdie putt to secure the CME Group Tour Championship. This victory earned her $4m (£3.2m) in prize money, marking the largest payout ever in women’s golf. Both competitors had shared the lead overnight at 15 under. Thitikul concluded her round with a seven-under 65, whereas Yin recorded a 66. Thitikul commented on her performance, stating, “I don’t know what happened to me on 17 and 18. I really needed a birdie on 17 to give me a good chance but having an eagle, it was more than I can ask for.” She added, “Hitting a really good second shot on 18 and to hole the putt, it’s like all the hard work that I’ve done has just paid off.” As the runner-up, Yin was awarded $1m (£795,300). She expressed optimism for the future, saying, “My game is good going into next year.” Yin also remarked, “I’m happy because this is a golf course I’m not very fond of. To play well here means a lot to me.” World number one Nelly Korda concluded the tournament at 15 under par, posting a score of 66. England’s Charley Hull, who began the final day four shots behind the leader, finished with a level-par round, placing her at 11 under overall.