NAPLES, Fla. — With only two holes remaining and a two-shot deficit, Jeeno Thitikul understood precisely what was at stake in her quest to seize an unprecedented achievement in women’s golf.
Her remarkable back-to-back eagle-birdie performances secured her victory.
Thitikul triumphantly captured the CME Group Tour Championship title on Sunday, claiming a record-breaking $4 million prize, which marks the largest single payday in the history of women’s golf — surpassing the winnings of even three men’s major championships this year.
“Today, standing here with the trophy, it’s more than I can ask for,” Thitikul expressed with genuine joy.
In a stunning display, Thitikul delivered a phenomenal 7-under 65 in the final round, finishing the event at an impressive total of 22 under par, narrowly edging out Angel Yin, who shot a solid 66. Yin had held a two-shot advantage as she made her way to the 17th tee but ultimately settled for the $1 million prize for second place.
Despite her runner-up finish, Yin radiated resilience and positivity, especially after recovering from a severe leg injury that sidelined her earlier this season. “I’m pretty awesome. … I’ve learned that I just need to believe in myself, and that’s what I did,” she confidently stated.
Angel Yin hits from the sand on the sixth hole during the final round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Naples, Fla. Credit: AP/Chris Tilley
The decisive conclusion unfolded dramatically on the 18th hole, where Thitikul and Yin were tied at 21 under after a thrilling round filled with fluctuating momentum, each acutely aware that a single misstep could cost them millions.
Both competitors found the fairway as they approached the final hole. Thitikul executed a nearly flawless approach, landing her ball just 5 feet from the pin, while Yin placed her shot around 15 feet away, setting the stage for a tense finish. A bright smile adorned Thitikul’s face as she confidently walked towards the green, as if sensing the impending victory.
Yin’s birdie attempt narrowly missed the mark, while Thitikul confidently sunk her putt right down the center. At that moment, history was undeniably hers.
Her plans for the monumental financial windfall?
Angel Yin tees off on the ninth hole during the final round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Naples, Fla. Credit: AP/Chris Tilley
“Definitely spend it,” Thitikul declared candidly. “That’s an honest answer, for sure. Definitely going to spend it for a little while.”
In addition to clinching the staggering $4 million first prize, Thitikul had already secured a $1 million bonus earlier in the week through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge, a unique competition measuring player performance on designated holes each week. Consequently, Thitikul’s phenomenal four-day tally resulted in an astonishing $5 million for the week, a testament to her skill, especially considering that she went 8 under on the critical 17th and 18th holes throughout the tournament at Tiburon Golf Club.
“All the hard work paid off,” Thitikul reflected, recalling how her eagle-birdie finish the day prior allowed her to tie for the lead with Yin going into the final round at 15 under.
It didn’t take long for Thitikul to seize control on Sunday. She quickly established a two-shot lead by scoring birdies on two of the first three holes; however, her advantage evaporated after Yin converted a birdie on the par-4 fourth while Thitikul had to settle for a bogey.
Yin seemed to have regained momentum on the par-3 16th after sinking a remarkable 25-foot birdie putt that afforded her a crucial two-shot lead with only two holes remaining. However, after her second shot went awry on the par-5 17th, Thitikul was presented a golden opportunity to retake control.
The inspiring eagle-birdie finish on Saturday instilled confidence in Thitikul, and the repeat performance on Sunday elevated her to the summit of victory — even if her second shot on 17 wasn’t perfect, fortune favored her nonetheless.
“Just lucky enough,” Thitikul humbly remarked.
Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko finished third with an impressive score of 63, concluding the event at 17 under after making nine birdies across a stretch of 13 holes.
“I’m excited to be able to work hard this offseason and have another great 2025,” Ko said enthusiastically.
Ruoning Yin took fourth place with a score of 68, finishing at 16 under, while LPGA Player of the Year Nelly Korda, along with Narin An, concluded the week at 15 under after shooting 66 and 68, respectively. Ayaka Furue’s performance at 13 under earned her the prestigious Vare Trophy, crowning her as the LPGA’s season-long scoring champion for the year, surpassing Haeran Ryu.
“I feel very happy to have this trophy in my hands,” declared Furue, making history as the first Japanese player to earn the Vare Trophy.
Lexi Thompson, a celebrated 15-time winner on the tour, ended her week at 2 under par. Her future competition plans remain uncertain, but she reaffirmed her commitment to return to Tiburon on December 9 for the Grant Thornton Invitational, where she will pair with Rickie Fowler in a joint event featuring PGA and LPGA players.
“I’m not going anywhere, guys,” Thompson asserted. “I’ll be back in two weeks.”
In a bittersweet turn, two players announced their retirement following the final round: Marina Alex, who shot 66 finishing at 12 under, and Ally Ewing, who closed with a 68 for a total of 11 under.
“I’m happy to have ended on my best,” said Alex, raising a bottle of sparkling wine in one hand while clutching a bouquet of flowers in the other.
Added Ewing: “I’ve been at peace with my decision. It’s just so nice to be able to share the walk with my family this week.”
However, the day undoubtedly belonged to Thitikul. As the sun dipped below the horizon at Tiburon on Sunday evening, she looked forward to starting her offseason in style and embracing a much-deserved celebration.
“Anybody hungry?” she playfully inquired. “I am.”
With the sizable check from Sunday now safely in her possession, she has the means to enjoy fine dining wherever she pleases for the foreseeable future.
What strategies did Jeeno Thitikul employ to maintain focus during the high-pressure moments of the CME Group Tour Championship?
**Interview with Jeeno Thitikul: Celebrating Historic Victory at CME Group Tour Championship**
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on your incredible win at the CME Group Tour Championship, Jeeno! How does it feel to have made history with the largest single payday in women’s golf?
**Jeeno Thitikul:** Thank you so much! Honestly, standing here with the trophy is more than I could have ever asked for. It’s a surreal moment, and I feel so grateful for all the support I’ve received.
**Interviewer:** Your performance on the final day was truly remarkable, especially achieving a 7-under 65 to secure the victory. What was going through your mind as you approached those final holes?
**Jeeno Thitikul:** I was definitely aware of what was at stake. Angel Yin was playing incredibly well, and I knew I had to stay focused. There were moments when I felt the pressure, but I just tried to stick to my game plan and trust my abilities.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned feeling pressure as you approached the 17th and 18th holes. Can you walk us through that experience?
**Jeeno Thitikul:** Absolutely. After making a birdie at 16, I felt really confident. But then I made a mistake on 17, and I thought, “Oh no, this might cost me.” But I managed to refocus and take advantage of the opportunities presented to me, and I’m lucky it worked out.
**Interviewer:** With this victory, you also won a $1 million bonus through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge, bringing your total to a staggering $5 million for the week. Have you thought about how you plan to use this newfound wealth?
**Jeeno Thitikul:** (laughs) Yes, definitely! I plan to spend it for sure. It’s not every day you win such a significant amount, so I want to make the most of it, enjoy it a bit, and also think about investing in my future.
**Interviewer:** Switching gears, what did this tournament mean to you personally, especially considering your journey and the challenges you’ve faced in your career?
**Jeeno Thitikul:** This win represents not just achieving a goal, but also the culmination of hard work and resilience. Every setback I faced only strengthened my belief in myself. I’ve learned so much about perseverance, and I’m excited to carry that into the next season.
**Interviewer:** what are your goals moving forward now that you’ve reached such a significant milestone in your career?
**Jeeno Thitikul:** I want to continue to improve and learn. This win is just the beginning; my goal is to keep growing as a player and to challenge myself at every tournament. I have a lot of energy and excitement for the 2025 season!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for talking with us, Jeeno. Enjoy this moment, and we look forward to seeing what you achieve next!
**Jeeno Thitikul:** Thank you! I appreciate all the support!
