Jeeno Thitikul Clinches CME Group Tour Championship and a Record $4 Million Prize

Making History

Jeeno Thitikul made history with her victory at the CME Group Tour Championship, sealing the title with a spectacular eagle-birdie finish and earning a record-breaking $4 million prize—the largest in women’s golf history. This triumph not only marked a significant milestone in her career but also solidified her standing in the global golf arena.

A Record-Breaking Prize for Women’s Golf

With this win, Thitikul surpassed the prize money awarded to winners of three of the four major men’s championships this year. The trophy and record prize are a testament to her exceptional talent and relentless dedication. “Standing here today with this trophy is more than I could ever wish for,” Thitikul shared, her radiant smile reflecting her joy.

A Thrilling Battle at Tiburon Golf Club

Thitikul closed the final round with a stunning 7-under-par 65, finishing the tournament at 22-under, just one stroke ahead of Angel Yin. Heading into the 18th hole, both players knew that even the slightest mistake could cost them the $3 million difference in prize money. Yin, who had led Thitikul by two strokes before the 17th hole, showcased impressive skill but couldn’t hold onto her lead. She birdied the par-3 16th hole, but her second shot on the par-5 17th missed the green, giving Thitikul an opening.

Spectacular Eagle-Birdie Finish

With both players tied at 21-under going into the final hole, Thitikul delivered a near-flawless approach shot on the 18th, landing just five feet from the hole. Yin’s shot, meanwhile, stopped about 15 feet away. Thitikul sank her birdie putt, while Yin couldn’t convert hers. “Just lucky,” Thitikul humbly remarked about her performance, though her hard work throughout the week at Tiburon was evident.

Hard Work Rewarded

In addition to her tournament prize, Thitikul earned a $1 million bonus through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge, a season-long competition based on players’ performance on designated holes each week. In total, she raked in an astonishing $5 million in just one week—a dream come true for any athlete. “All the hard work has paid off,” Thitikul said, emphasizing the importance of focus and determination.

Other Players Shine Brightly

While Thitikul and Yin took center stage, other players also delivered impressive performances. Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko finished third at 17-under, while Ruoning Yin and Nelly Korda rounded out the leaderboard at 16-under and 15-under, respectively. The Vare Trophy for the season’s lowest scoring average went to Ayaka Furue, who ended her tournament at 13-under.

A Memorable Finale for Many Athletes

Several players concluded their seasons with memorable moments. Lexi Thompson, planning to step back from full-time golf, finished her final round at 2-under. Meanwhile, veterans Marina Alex and Ally Ewing announced their retirements after their final rounds, leaving the sport with cherished memories. “I’m thrilled to have ended on such a high note,” Alex said, celebrating with a bottle of sparkling wine in hand.

Thitikul: A New Chapter Begins with a Well-Deserved Celebration

As the sun set over Tiburon on Sunday, Jeeno Thitikul looked forward to the next season, ready to celebrate her remarkable achievements. “Anyone hungry?” she joked, knowing that with her $4 million prize check, she could treat herself to dinner anywhere she pleased. The CME Group Tour Championship victory not only brought Thitikul a coveted title but also signaled her rise in women’s golf. With her talent and determination, she has become a source of inspiration for young athletes around the globe.

Jeeno Thitikul has written a new chapter in women’s golf history with her CME Group Tour Championship triumph. With a record $4 million prize, she has proven her skills and opened the door to even greater opportunities ahead. Stay tuned as her journey continues next season, where even bigger dreams await.