Jeeno Thitikul’s Triumph at the Buick LPGA Shanghai: A 2025 Season Review

Jeeno Thitikul’s remarkable win at the Buick LPGA Shanghai marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, especially after her heartbreaking loss at the Kroger Queen City Championship. This victory not only solidifies her status as a leading figure in women’s golf but also makes her the first repeat winner of the LPGA season, showcasing her elite talent and resilience on the course.

The Journey Back to Victory

Thitikul’s triumph in Shanghai serves as a testament to her determination to bounce back from adversity. After a startling finish at the Kroger Queen City Championship, where she faced a dramatic four-putt on the final hole, many questioned her mental fortitude. However, her outstanding performance in China, exemplified by her bogey-free weekend and an astounding closing round of 63, confirmed she is more than capable of overcoming setbacks. This remarkable turnaround not only revitalizes her confidence but also positions her for various postseason accolades.

A Season of Consistency

In a year defined by unpredictability—one that has seen 26 different winners—Thitikul has emerged as a beacon of consistency. Her remarkable run includes four second-place finishes and six career titles to date, trailing only behind established stars like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko. At just 22 years old, she is proving to be a formidable competitor on the LPGA tour, especially as she approaches the season’s finish line with a strong showing.

The Rolex Player of the Year Race

In the ongoing pursuit of the prestigious Rolex Player of the Year title, Thitikul has significantly increased her lead over fellow competitor Minjee Lee. With an impressive total of a dozen top-10 finishes out of 18 starts this season, her consistency sets her apart in this highly competitive race. With her latest victory, Thitikul holds a 40-point lead over Lee, making her a favorite as the season winds down.

Vare Trophy Contention

Thitikul’s impressive scoring average places her at the forefront of the Vare Trophy race. She currently boasts the only sub-69 scoring average on the LPGA tour at 68.95. Minjee Lee trails just behind with an average of 69.97. Thitikul’s remarkable performance over the current season suggests she is on track to claim the Vare Trophy—an honor she previously won in 2023, albeit narrowly missing out in 2024 due to insufficient rounds played.

Dominance in the Aon Risk Reward Challenge

Last year, Thitikul made headlines by winning the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, a feat she has repeated this season. This challenge is not only competitive but also lucrative, with a $1 million bonus awarded to the winner. Currently leading once again, Thitikul shares the spotlight with strong challengers like Jennifer Kupcho and Minjee Lee. Notably, her victory in the Aon Challenge last season coincided with her clinching of the CME Group Tour Championship title, a monumental achievement.

Financial Success on the LPGA Tour

On the financial front, Thitikul holds the second position on the LPGA money list, earning over $3.4 million this season alone. Though she trails Minjee Lee, who leads by a slim margin, the young golfer’s financial trajectory is impressive. In just 82 tournament starts, she has accumulated over $13 million, placing her 19th on the all-time career money list. For comparison, legends like Annika Sorenstam lead the charge with over $22 million, showcasing the magnitude of Thitikul’s accomplishments at such an early stage in her career.

Race to the CME Globe Championship

Thitikul’s current standing at the top of the Race to CME Globe points list exemplifies her prowess on the tour. The Race to CME Globe serves as an essential metric for players, determining field placements and status for subsequent seasons. Securing the top position not only elevates her status among peers but also garners recognition as the Race to CME Globe Champion should she maintain her lead.

Reclaiming the World No. 1 Ranking

On a global scale, Thitikul recently regained her No. 1 ranking in the world after the AIG Women’s British Open, marking her second tenure as the world’s top female golfer. As she surpassed 16 cumulative weeks in this coveted position, she stands alongside Ai Miyazato, becoming one of the rare players in Rolex Rankings history to achieve such status without having won a major title.

Looking Ahead: Thitikul’s Future on the LPGA Tour

As the LPGA season heads toward its conclusion, Jeeno Thitikul is poised to claim significant accolades that highlight her stellar performance throughout the year. With her undeniable talent and unwavering determination, she is setting a precedent for future generations of golfers. Her journey from a budding star to a powerhouse on the LPGA tour is not only inspiring but also offers a glimpse of the tremendous accomplishments yet to come.

Conclusion

Jeeno Thitikul’s impressive win at the Buick LPGA Shanghai exemplifies not only her talent as a golfer but also her resilience in the face of challenges. With numerous accolades within reach—such as the Rolex Player of the Year, the Vare Trophy, and top-ranking status—her performance this season reinforces her position as one of the most remarkable players in women’s golf today. As she continues to break barriers and shatter expectations, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate her contributions to the sport in the years to come.