In what might be considered one of the most thrilling finishes of the year in women’s golf, Jeeno Thitikul from Thailand secured her victory at the LPGA Tour’s final event of the season, the CME Group Tour Championship, and in doing so, set a new record for the lowest scoring average in tour history. But here’s where it gets controversial—her triumph wasn’t just about the win; it was also about how she dominated the field, holding off a spirited challenge from fellow Thai golfer Pajaree Anannarukarn and finishing with a solid 4-under-par round of 68. This victory earned her a staggering $4 million prize, making it the largest payout in women’s golf this year.
Thitikul’s performance marked her third LPGA victory this season, and her final birdie on the last hole at Tiburon Golf Club sealed her win with a comfortable four-shot margin. Her remarkable achievement also included setting the record for the lowest scoring average ever recorded on the tour, a feat that cements her status as one of the most consistent players in recent history.
The outcome was essentially decided early on, as Thitikul began the round with a commanding six-shot lead over Nelly Korda, the American golfer she overtook at the top of the women’s world rankings earlier this year. But as any seasoned fan knows, golf isn’t decided until the very last putt— and Anannarukarn made things interesting by firing five birdies in just seven holes, closing the gap to two shots as they headed into the final stretch.
Thitikul responded with birdies on the 10th and 13th holes, while her fellow Thai competitor stumbled slightly with a shot dropped on the par-3 12th, which allowed Thitikul to extend her lead back to five strokes. From that point, it was a matter of crossing the finish line—and celebrating with the bubbly on the 18th green.
Her back-to-back wins in this prestigious tournament put her alongside Jin Young Ko as the only players to claim consecutive titles at the CME Group Tour Championship. Finishing at an impressive 26-under-par 262 overall, Thitikul’s victory not only brought her the tournament crown but also secured her the coveted Player of the Year award and the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average—two of the most prestigious honors in women’s golf.
Meanwhile, Nelly Korda’s season took a surprising turn, as she became the first player since Tiger Woods in 2010 to go from winning seven times in one season to not securing a single victory the next year. This stark contrast sparks a lot of debate about consistency and the unpredictable nature of the sport.
And so, the season closes with stories of dominance, record-breaking achievements, and a reminder that in golf, like in life, the final moments are often the most defining—and the most exciting to watch.
