Jeeno Thitikul has scored a stunning victory at the CME Group Tour Championship, winning the largest prize money in women's golf history: $4 million. The 21-year-old Thai won her fourth LPGA Tour victory, confirming her position as one of the brightest stars on the circuit.
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The CME Group Tour Championship was a duel with American pro Angel Yin. With the pair tied at -15, Thitikul took an early lead, but Yin responded blow for blow, reaching a total of -21. When it looked like the American was in the game, the Thai star turned the tide with an incredible eagle on the 17th hole, which allowed her to move into a tie with the leader. Thitikul showed nerves of steel on the final hole, making the decisive birdie to close at 22 under par and secure the victory.
Thitikul, statements
I still cant believe what happened. She said emotionally, This is the result of years of work and dedication.
With this win, she not only takes home a record check, but also wins the Aon Risk Reward Challenge season title and an additional $1 million, reaching a total of $5 million earned in a week. A record for all of womens golf.
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Angel Yin, despite the disappointment of the 2nd place, had a memorable week, while Lydia Ko finished in 3rd place with a solid score of -17.
Among other awards given at the end of the season, Ayaka Furue won the Vare Trophy, while Mao Saigo was named Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year.
Thitikul after her victory at Tiburn Golf Club, is the 2024 Race to the CME Globe champion. She has shown not only extraordinary talent, but also a maturity and determination that can be an inspiration to future generations.
For 11 months, the worlds best womens golfers have crisscrossed the globe, competing in 32 tournaments, the Solheim Cup, and the Paris Olympics. This week, the LPGA Tour season concludes with its final official event of the year: the CME Group Tour Championship, held at Tiburn Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
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The stakes couldnt be higher in this season finale, as players will compete not only for the biggest prize money in womens golf history, but also for some of the biggest awards of the year.
Throughout the season, players who competed weekly on the LPGA Tour accumulated points in the Race to the CME Globe. The top 60 in the standings qualified for the CME Group Tour Championship at the end of last weeks tournament. Once on the course, those points are reset to zero, giving each player a chance to win the season-long race.
Leading the field is Nelly Korda, No. 1 in the Rolex Womens World Golf Rankings, who also leads the Race to the CME Globe and is the LPGA Tours latest winner, thanks to her triumph Sunday at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Korda earned her seventh win of the 2024 season with a thrilling final-round 67, which included five consecutive birdies over the final nine holes.
