As for how Jeeno Thitikul, the top-ranked player in women’s golf, showcased her remarkable talent… She captured her first LPGA victory at the LPGA Shanghai in dramatic five hole playoff. The inaugural Shanghai Masters was played on the Qizhong Garden Golf Club course in Shanghai. Thitikul made a remarkable comeback, rallying from a four-shot deficit with five holes to play to force a playoff with Minami Katsu.
Thitikul capped an impressive tournament performance that saw her finish scores of 24-under 264. Her last round was a stunning 63, the best score of the day. This victory was Thitikul’s second win of the season, making her the LPGA’s first two-time tournament winner of 2023. Her last victory was in the Mizuho Americas Open back in May.
In that last round, Thitikul showed why she was the best player in the field with seven birdies and an eagle. Her eagle on the 17th hole was probably the most memorable moment. She took a phenomenal shot that threw the ball skipping across the cracked, spotted green. That time came in this moment, as she followed up by recording birdies on the 14th, 15th, and 16th holes to launch her into contention.
A constant on the LPGA Tour since bursting onto the scene with a four-putt meltdown at the Kroger Queen City Championship last month. Now, she’s out to show that she can do it all over again. Reflecting on her journey, she stated:
“What happened on the last event (was) definitely still in my mind, but like to be able to prove myself again this tournament, which is … like a dream come true and you know, I’m not carrying a thing on my shoulder.” – Jeeno Thitikul
In her semifinal match against Japan’s Katsu, Thitikul made yet another unreal play on the fifth hole. Her stunning play left the ball within three feet of the hole, placing her in position to win it all. By keeping her cool and playing with precision, she clinched the championship, proving why she’s one of the top competitors in today’s game.
Thitikul’s win at LPGA Shanghai is just another incredible trophy already on her growing mantle. It highlights her impressive strength and adroitness under pressure. Yet, she is one of the fiercest competitors, competing at the highest levels of the sport. Fans, as well as her fellow competitors, will now be looking at her future performances with great interest.
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