Jeeno Thitikul made headlines in the golf world by winning the largest check in women’s golf history at the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida. At just 21 years old, Thitikul displayed a new outlook on golf, realizing that it’s not about the money but about growing the game. She putted a 25-foot eagle on the 17th hole and followed it up with a 6-iron to 5 feet on the last hole to edge out Angel Yin for the $4 million prize. This victory added to her earlier win of $1 million in the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, making her total earnings for the week $5 million.
Playing alongside her best friend Ruoning Yin and Angel Yin, Thitikul went from being injured at the start of the 2024 season to finishing with a remarkable 7-under 65 on Sunday for a 22-under total. Angel Yin finished one stroke back, earning a $1 million payday. Thitikul jokingly advised reporters not to tell her parents about her spending plans, as she had already started Black Friday shopping and planned to visit Disney World with friends after leaving Naples. She set a new single-season earnings record of $6,059,309, surpassing Lorena Ochoa’s record.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda also had a standout season with seven LPGA titles, becoming the first American to achieve this since Beth Daniel in 1990. Korda closed the season with a share of fifth place at the CME Group Tour Championship and total earnings of $4,391,930. Lydia Ko, recently inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, closed out her season with a 9-under 63 to finish in solo third place and earn $550,000. Ko expressed her satisfaction in ending the season on a high note, especially at a tournament venue that holds special significance for her.
Three players, Lexi Thompson, Ally Ewing, and Marina Alex, bid farewell to full-time competition at the CME Group Tour Championship. While Thompson and Ewing had previously announced their retirement plans, Alex’s decision came as a surprise to many. Alex closed with a 66 to finish tied for 12th, while Ewing tied for 16th. In total, 12 players have decided to step away from full-time competition after this season. The tournament showcased the depth of talent in women’s golf and set the stage for the next season, with players like Thitikul, Korda, and Ko leading the way.
The CME Group Tour Championship not only offered lucrative prize money but also emphasized the camaraderie and sportsmanship among players. Thitikul’s success served as a testament to her growth and maturity in the game, reminding everyone that golf is more than just a sport but a platform for personal development and community building. The achievements of young talents like Thitikul and established stars like Korda and Ko highlighted the bright future of women’s golf and the growing popularity of the sport.
As the tournament concluded, players reflected on their seasons and looked ahead to the next year with renewed motivation and determination. Thitikul’s meteoric rise in the golf world inspired many, and her humble approach to success resonated with fans and fellow competitors alike. The CME Group Tour Championship marked the end of a memorable season for women’s golf, with new records set and legends bidding farewell to the sport. The championship showcased the diversity and talent of the players and set a high standard for the upcoming seasons, promising exciting competition and inspiring stories.
