Jeeno Thitikul Shines at CME Group Tour Championship: A Look at Her Dominance
NAPLES, Fla. — In an electrifying display of skill worthy of her ranking, Jeeno Thitikul demonstrated why she is considered the top player in women’s golf by executing a flawless performance at the CME Group Tour Championship. Her impressive 9-under 63 on Friday gives her a commanding three-shot lead, moving her closer to capturing a hefty $4 million prize and the title of LPGA Player of the Year.
While Thitikul’s performance took center stage, Nelly Korda, the former world No. 1, made waves of her own. In a bid to reclaim her position, Korda shot a notable 64, putting her briefly atop the leaderboard just as Thitikul began her round. Ultimately, though, Korda found herself five shots back—still in contention, but looking for her first victory of the year.
A Birdie Blitz: Thitikul’s Strategic Play
Thitikul didn’t hold back on the course, showcasing her razor-sharp focus and precision putting. She strung together four consecutive birdies around the turn and managed an astonishing six birdies within an eight-hole stretch. Playing alongside Sei Young Kim, who also showed her mettle with six birdies on the back nine for a score of 66, Thitikul ensured that she made it challenging for anyone trying to catch up.
Currently, Thitikul stands at a remarkable 14-under 130 for the tournament, solidifying her position as the defending champion. Her explosive play has drawn attention, as she said with a smile after her round, “Better than yesterday for sure. Still not had no complaints with bogey-free golf and nine birdies. So I’ll take it.”
The Chase: Korda and Other Contenders
Somi Lee, who started strong on Thursday with a 64, stumbled out of the gate with a bogey on the par-5 opening hole. Although she managed to salvage her day with two birdies towards the end, her 70 left her trailing four shots behind Thitikul. Nasa Hataoka also joins the chase after shooting a solid 67.
As Thitikul continues to dominate, Kim highlighted the intensity of the competition, noting, “Nine holes, Jeeno is a five-stroke lead. I try to make a lot of birdies, especially on the back nine.” Their pairing resulted in a showcase of skill, as they combined to make birdies on all but two of the last 11 holes played—an impressive feat that underscores the caliber of play at Tiburon Golf Club.
The Race for LPGA Player of the Year
Thitikul is not just chasing the tournament title; she is also leading in the points-based award for LPGA Player of the Year. The only contender with a chance to overtake her is Japan’s Miyuu Yamashita, who is lagging behind by nine shots after a 69 on Friday.
Both Thitikul and Yamashita are currently the only players on tour with multiple victories in the season, highlighting their prowess and consistency throughout the year. With the weekend approaching, Thitikul’s focus is not solely on the title; she aims to solidify her position as the best in women’s golf.
Korda’s Resurgence: Aiming for Redemption
Korda’s journey this season has been nothing short of perplexing, especially after a stellar performance last year where she captured seven titles. Having yet to secure a win this season, she focused on improving her putting, which had been a point of contention.
When asked about her turnaround, Korda remarked, “Honestly, yesterday I went to the putting green for five minutes and I saw some balls actually roll into the hole, which was nice.” This brief moment of encouragement seemed to pay dividends as she climbed the leaderboard on Friday.
Setting Up for the Weekend: Tight Competition
As we head into the weekend, Thitikul’s strategic focus on maintaining her lead is evident. She made a considerable impact with her birdie streak, starting with impressive 10-footers on the eighth and ninth holes. She then showcased her excellent shot-making by placing her wedge inches from the cup on the 10th and making an excellent approach on the 11th—a hole known as the hardest at Tiburon.
Despite only missing one green all day—on the 18th—her performance solidified her dominance on the course. Thitikul narrowly missed a potential birdie on her last hole, leaving her with an 18-foot putt that eventually slipped by.
The Prize on the Line: A Record-Breaking Purse
The stakes are incredibly high at the CME Group Tour Championship, with the winner set to take home a remarkable $4 million—a record total that reflects the growing stature of women’s golf. As Thitikul demonstrated last year, shooting an incredible 22 under par to win by just one shot, continuous scoring is essential to clinch victory in such an esteemed championship.
“We just need to make more and more birdies,” Thitikul asserted, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament. Historically, low scoring has been a hallmark of this championship, with past winners like Amy Yang setting a record at 27-under 261. Understanding the landscape, Thitikul knows she must continue to perform at an elite level.
Future of Women’s Golf: The Impact of Stars Like Thitikul
As the CME Group Tour Championship unfolds, Thitikul’s performance is not only a testament to her talent but is also a reflection of the rising standard in women’s golf. The increasing competitiveness and the emergence of stars like herself and Yamashita have invigorated the tour, attracting new fans and increasing the visibility of women athletes in sports.
The blend of fervent competition, high stakes, and standout performances makes for exhilarating viewing. Fans can look forward to witnessing history in the making as the tournament progresses, with Thitikul leading the charge towards another title and aiming to secure her legacy in the sport.
The Final Countdown: What’s Next?
With just two rounds left, eyes will be on the field as competitors aim to close the gap on Thitikul. The mix of talent and hunger among the players—such as Korda, Kim, and Lee—ensures that anything can happen. The chase for the trophy and the financial rewards is on, creating a thrilling atmosphere around the championship.
Ultimately, this year’s CME Group Tour Championship features not just a display of skill but a celebration of the pinnacle of women’s golf. As Thitikul maintains her lead, fans can anticipate an exciting conclusion, and possibly a historic payday, as the weekend approaches.
Conclusion: The Future is Bright for Women’s Golf
As the 2025 CME Group Tour Championship draws to a close, the experience and talent of golfers like Jeeno Thitikul suggest a promising future for women’s golf. Their performances not only elevate the competition but also inspire the next generation of female athletes. As Thitikul aims for a second consecutive win, the world will be watching closely, eager to see what unfolds in this dazzling display of golf excellence.
