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A Championship Received within the Remaining Minutes
Jeeno Thitikul proved as soon as once more why she sits at close to the highest of the world rankings. The 23-year-old Thai star secured her fourth LPGA Tour victory of the 2026 season on the Lotte Championship. She didn’t win by a landslide, however by sheer grit. After a late mistake threatened to value her the title, she responded with two straight birdies. This win at Hoakalei Nation Membership in Honolulu cemented her standing as essentially the most constant participant on tour. She completed at 21-under-par 267, three strokes forward of the sector. Reuters studies that is her eleventh profession win since coming into the tour in 2022. The win ties her with Nelly Korda for essentially the most titles this yr.
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The strain was immense. Thitikul began the ultimate spherical with a three-stroke lead. She held that margin via the entrance 9 and early again 9. However golf is a sport of errors, and one error practically ended her reign. On the par-four sixteenth gap, she drove the ball into the water. The ensuing double bogey dropped her to 19 below. All of a sudden, the event was vast open. Ina Yoon, her taking part in companion, was charging exhausting. But Thitikul didn’t fold. She birdied the seventeenth after which the 18th to seal the deal. It was a masterclass in psychological toughness below fireplace.
The Duel on the Again 9
The ultimate spherical performed out like a chess match between two elite rivals. Thitikul opened with a birdie on the par-five first gap. She recorded single strokes on holes seven and eight, turning at 33 for the spherical. The again 9 started with 5 pars, setting a gradual tempo. A birdie on the par-three fifteenth gap appeared to place the sport away. Then got here the difficulty. Thitikul drove into the water on the sixteenth. The double-bogey six lowered her standing to 19 below for the event. South Korea’s Ina Yoon additionally shot a 4-under 68 and completed alone in second at 18 below. Japan’s Miyu Yamashita took third at 17 below, whereas American Auston Kim completed fourth at 16 below.
Regardless of the scare, Thitikul saved her composure. Through the week, she landed 11 of 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens in regulation. The numbers present a participant in whole management, even when issues went mistaken. As reported by Golf Digest Center East, Thitikul seemed susceptible for the primary time all week. A double bogey on the sixteenth erased the lead she had constructed over 4 days. But, her response demonstrated exactly why she is having one of many prime seasons in ladies’s golf. She birdied the seventeenth and 18th to stroll away with the trophy. Yoon, who completed second, praised the Thai star. Yoon famous that Thitikul performed actually unbelievable golf as we speak.
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Thitikul’s mindset was the important thing differentiator. She knew she needed to make birdies to counter Yoon’s momentum. In an interview reported by Reuters, she defined her thought course of throughout that crucial second. “It undoubtedly feels so unhealthy after ending the 16, however I additionally instructed myself that I nonetheless within the bubble, after which I really feel like I attempting to play my sport, not different or anybody sport,” Jeeno mentioned. She refused to let the error outline her spherical. “So I simply actually need to deal with what I’ve, as a result of on my thoughts I believe… if I nonetheless have a shot, I nonetheless have an opportunity, regardless of (if) it will be good or unhealthy, I’ve nothing to lose,” she added. This capability to reset immediately separates the great gamers from the good ones. Whereas Yoon made birdies across the flip to edge nearer, Thitikul remained regular till the very finish.
Why This Victory Issues for the Season
This win is about greater than only a trophy. It alerts a shift within the energy dynamic on the LPGA Tour. Nelly Korda regained the primary rating in April after profitable the Chevron Championship. However the final 4 months have instructed a distinct story. Korda pale because the summer time wore on, whereas Thitikul shifted into one other gear. Yahoo Sports activities states the 23-year-old secured her second win in Could and a 3rd in August. Now she has added a fourth. This consistency is uncommon in skilled golf. Main into this week, Thitikul holds 5 straight top-10 outcomes, three of which have been in majors.
The rivalry between these two ladies is shaping as much as be the defining narrative of 2026. Whereas Korda owns 4 wins earlier than July, she has struggled to shut out occasions just lately. Thitikul, alternatively, is hitting her stride. She gained in her dwelling nation of Thailand in February, then added the Mizuho Individuals Open and the Customary Portland Basic. The Lotte Championship victory provides to this spectacular resume. The prize cash for this win will likely be important, although particular figures weren’t detailed within the preliminary studies. What issues most is the momentum. Thitikul is now the most popular participant on the tour. She has confirmed she will win in numerous circumstances and in opposition to robust fields. The world quantity two spot feels very safe for the Thai star.
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The competitors stays fierce. Ina Yoon confirmed she will problem anybody on Sunday. The South Korean made birdies to maintain the strain on. However Thitikul’s capability to bounce again is her superpower. Golf Digest Center East noticed that she confronted the potential for one other participant taking the title. As an alternative, she regrouped instantly. “I do know 16 was horrible,” Thitikul mentioned afterwards. That psychological fortitude will serve her properly because the season continues. The LPGA Tour is unpredictable, however Thitikul has proven she will deal with the chaos.
What Comes Subsequent on the Schedule
With the Lotte Championship within the books, the tour strikes on to the following occasion. The 2026 season is way from over. Gamers will now look forward to the upcoming tournaments on the schedule. The following main cease will likely be crucial for the season standings. Followers can anticipate extra drama as the sector chases the year-end titles. The race for the cash checklist will warmth up within the coming weeks. Thitikul will carry the momentum of this win into her subsequent begin. The golf world is watching intently to see if she will preserve this stage of play. The following event dates and areas will likely be introduced by the LPGA shortly. Keep tuned for updates because the tour heads to its subsequent vacation spot.
