Golf Mar 26, 2026

Jeeno Thitikul: World No 1 wins home LPGA Thailand tournament for first time

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Jeeno Thitikul: World No 1 wins home LPGA Thailand tournament for first time

World No 1 Jeeno Thitikul justified her top billing in emphatic fashion after edging Japan's Chizzy Iwai by one stroke to claim her home LPGA Thailand tournament for the first time.

The Thai star kept her composure under sweltering conditions and intense pressure to card a closing four-under-par 68, finishing on 24 under.

The victory marked her eighth LPGA Tour title and her first triumph on home soil.

England's Lottie Woad finished tied-15th on 15 under.

"I would rate it A triple-plus," said the 23-year-old Thitikul. "I know it's not as big as the majors, but winning in my home country means so much to me - sometimes even more than a major."

Thitikul became the third Thai winner of the tournament, following Ariya Jutanugarn in 2021 and Patty Tavatanakit in 2024.

The win was made even more special with her mother watching in person after the Thai had made eight previous attempts at the event.

"My mom came up to me after I finished 18 and she cried a lot," Thitikul said. "I told her, 'I finally won in front of you'. She was emotional, and that made me emotional too."

World No 19 Iwai mounted a strong challenge, drawing level briefly after rolling in her second eagle of the day on the par-five 10th.

However, the Japanese added no further birdies and signed for a 66 to finish runner-up on 23-under-par 265. Korea's Hyo Joo Kim, the world No 9, posted a 68 to take third at 22 under, while compatriot Lee Somi, the opening-round leader, finished fourth on 21 under.

Former world No 1 Lydia Ko carded a 68 to tie for fifth alongside Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who produced the lowest round of the day with a scintillating 63 as both ended the week on 20 under.

Defending champion Angel Yin shot 70 and was in a tie for 48th at five-under 283.

The tournament about 125km (75 miles) east of Bangkok was the first of three events in Asia in consecutive weeks, to be followed by those in Singapore and China in the early Asian swing on the LPGA Tour.

Watch the LET and LPGA Tours, majors and more throughout the season live on Your Site Golf. or .

Tags:

golf news

Share this article

Related Posts

Scottie Scheffler: How latest PGA Tour victory and passing $100m milestone strengthened Tiger Woods comparisons

Scottie Scheffler: How latest PGA Tour victory and passing $100m milestone strengthened Tiger Woods comparisons

Scottie Scheffler further asserted himself as the dominant force in men's golf with a winning start to the PGA Tour season, bringing him to more caree...

Brooks Koepka's PGA Tour return explained: How LIV Golf departure led to new Returning Member Program

Brooks Koepka's PGA Tour return explained: How LIV Golf departure led to new Returning Member Program

Brooks Koepka being welcomed back to the PGA Tour will divide opinion within the golfing world, but why has he been allowed to return after leaving LI...

LIV Golf announces enlarged field and increased relegation amid chase for Official World Golf Ranking points

LIV Golf announces enlarged field and increased relegation amid chase for Official World Golf Ranking points

LIV Golf have confirmed tweaks for 2026 that appear aimed at supporting the competition's application to receive Official World Golf Ranking points.LI...

TGL golf: Billy Horschel finds final-hole eagle as Atlanta Drive GC beat New York Golf Club in season opener

TGL golf: Billy Horschel finds final-hole eagle as Atlanta Drive GC beat New York Golf Club in season opener

Billy Horschel delivered a dramatic final-hole eagle to help Atlanta Drive GC make a winning start to their TGL title defence with a 6-4 victory over...

Jon Rahm explains why he has not signed LIV release to play on DP World Tour: 'I'll play four tournaments, not six'

Jon Rahm explains why he has not signed LIV release to play on DP World Tour: 'I'll play four tournaments, not six'

Jon Rahm has accused the DP World Tour of "extorting players" and says he will not sign a deal that allows him to play on the circuit and in LIV Golf...

Rich Beem on Tiger Woods' playing return at The Masters and possible Ryder Cup captaincy in Adare Manor, in County Limerick

Rich Beem on Tiger Woods' playing return at The Masters and possible Ryder Cup captaincy in Adare Manor, in County Limerick

After Tiger Woods teased golf fans by dropping a hint that he could make a stunning return at the Masters, Rich Beem dismissed the idea, saying: "you...