Jeeno Thitikul made history by winning a record-breaking $4 million prize at the CME Group Tour Championship, the largest payout in women’s golf history. The 21-year-old from Thailand secured the win in dramatic fashion, overcoming a two-shot deficit with just two holes to play, demonstrating remarkable composure and skill under pressure.
Entering the final round, Thitikul faced a challenge, trailing by two strokes to Angel Yin, who was in control of the lead. But as the competition intensified, Thitikul made a late surge, showcasing her brilliance with another eagle-birdie finish for the second day in a row. This stunning performance propelled her to a seven-under-par 65 for the day and an overall total of 22 under par, which was enough to edge out Yin by a single shot.
Yin, who had led for much of the final round, had a two-shot advantage as she made her way to the 17th hole. However, her challenge faltered when her birdie putt on the 18th green missed, leaving Thitikul with a chance to seal the win. Thitikul, calm and confident, approached her own birdie putt from just five feet, sinking it with ease. The ball dropped in the center of the cup, and with that, history was made as she clinched the largest payout in the sport’s history.
The significance of Thitikul’s victory went beyond the record prize money. With the win, she claimed a $4 million purse, surpassing the winner’s share of three of the four men’s major championships earlier in the year. Additionally, she had already secured a $1 million bonus earlier in the week, awarded through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge, a competition that rewards players for their performance on a designated hole each week. This pushed her total earnings for the week to an astonishing $5 million, cementing her as one of the brightest stars in the game.
For Thitikul, who had yet to claim a major victory, this win was a testament to the hard work and dedication she has put into her game. “All the hard work paid off,” Thitikul said after the win. Her triumph marked the culmination of a stellar season, where she proved her mettle and established herself as one of the top players on the LPGA Tour. Reflecting on her success, Thitikul humbly acknowledged how surreal the moment felt. “Standing here with the trophy, it’s more than I can ask for,” she said, visibly overwhelmed with emotion.
Yin, despite missing out on the win, was far from discouraged. The 25-year-old American had made an incredible comeback this year after missing part of the season due to a leg injury. Her second-place finish earned her a $1 million check, more than doubling her earnings for the season in a span of just four days. Yin’s resilience and positive outlook shone through as she remarked, “I’m pretty awesome… I’ve learned that I just need to believe in myself, and that’s what I did.”
New Zealand’s Lydia Ko also had a memorable week, finishing in third place with a 17-under-par total after a sensational final-round 63. Ko’s performance featured an impressive stretch of nine birdies in just 13 holes, showcasing her consistent form as she prepares for a strong 2025 season. “I’m excited to be able to work hard this offseason and have another great year,” Ko said, looking ahead with optimism.
Thitikul’s victory at the CME Group Tour Championship not only made her a millionaire but also solidified her status as one of the brightest young talents in women’s golf. Her ability to perform under pressure, especially in such a high-stakes final round, underscores her potential to compete at the highest levels for years to come. As she celebrates this career-defining moment, Thitikul is already looking ahead, planning to enjoy her success and undoubtedly continue her pursuit of more victories on the LPGA Tour.
