Jeeno Thitikul wins CME Group Tour Championship — Thankful
The IX: Golf Thursday with Marin Dremock, Nov. 28, 2024
The CME Group Tour Championship was not Jeeno Thitikul’s to win until the back nine of the final round. Welcome back to Golf Thursday, and happy Thanksgiving!
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Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, right? Not this week for Jeeno Thitikul. Her 12 top-10 finishes this season are definitely to be proud of, but finally getting a solo win has to feel so good.
With her Nov. 24 win at the CME Group Tour Championship, Thitikul became the Race to the CME Globe champion and the second-highest player from Thailand on the all-time money list ($9,791,070).
It wasn’t a walk in the park. Thitikul started the day tied for first with Angel Yin at 15-under after a red-hot 63 in Saturday’s round.
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After still being tied through the front nine with Yin at 17-under, Thitikul then had to keep pace with Yin the entire back nine. And given that Yin could not miss, Thitikul really had to dial in on her own game and focus on herself.
“But like I still had to do on my side, on my part, on my control, 100% that I have. That’s just how it happened,” Thitikul said.
Yin went up two strokes after birdies on holes 10 and 12, where Thitikul had pars on Nos. 10, 11 and 12. Morgan Pressel on Golf Channel said it was almost like match play.
But momentum shifted in a big way for Thitikul on No. 17, where she made an eagle to tie Yin atop the leaderboard.
Then, the clutch second shot at the 18th for Thitikul.
Yin had a longer putt to make birdie, and given her range throughout this week, there was definitely a chance for her to sink it. Yin barely missed. Her putt rolled out to just high of the hole, not getting that final break down towards the cup that would have put the pressure on Thitikul.
But with Thitilkul’s sweet setup for birdie, a clean stroke was all she needed to win the tournament. Thitikul’s putt fell right in the heart, securing her fourth career LPGA Tour victory.
Following Thitikul and Yin on the leaderboard was none other than Lydia Ko, who shared the low round on the course on Sunday with Sei Young Kim. Ko shot a blazing 9-under par 63 to climb into third place and finish off a strong 2024 campaign.
We also saw some of the most prolific LPGA Tour players on the course for their last full-time tournament. Lexi Thompson, Ally Ewing and Marina Alex all had emotional ends to what was likely their final CME Group Tour Championships.
Who’s cutting onions?
And with that, the 2024 LPGA Tour season comes to a close. What a ride it’s been. So much growth yet just as much challenge. But that’s life in the women’s sports world. I’m so excited to see what next season brings.
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This week in women’s golf
LPGA News
Mao Saigo wins 2024 Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year award, Ayaka Furue earns Vare Trophy honors
CME Group and Terry Duffy believe in the LPGA
Award winners recognized at 2024 Rolex LPGA Awards
LET News
LET heads to Malaga for season finale
Epson Tour News
Where are they now: 2023 Epson Tour alumnae
Taking a page out of Addie Parker’s book here: As the LPGA season winds down, please send me both links that catch your eye and ideas you’d want to hear from me in future editions of Golf Thursday. My inbox is always open at marin.dremock@gmail.com.
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Five at The IX: A brief note of thanks
As the end of the year creeps up on us, whether we like it or not, seasons of giving thanks, spreading love and anticipating what’s to come also draw near.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year. Warm memories of large and loud family gatherings in Taunton, Mass. surround most of my childhood. Recent moments of a comforting holiday at home with my immediate family bring me joy. Last year’s Scottish celebration during my study abroad semester in St. Andrews with my now fiancé and his aunt, uncle and cousins was especially delightful.
What all of these modes and methods of celebrating Thanksgiving have in common is that I am so immensely grateful.
I cherish the time I’ve spent with every branch of my family around the holiday season. I look forward to seeing some members quite soon and others maybe later.
I’m grateful for traditions like football, dinner and dessert. I’m grateful for new life and for the wisdom of those who’ve seen more years than we have.
This year, I want to especially extend my gratitude to Howard Megdal and The IX for fitting me into this family of fantastic fanatics for women’s sports. I’m grateful for golf and the connections I’ve made through it.
I’m grateful for all of the women on the LPGA, LET and Epson Tours who compete (and have competed) not only to bring the best out of themselves but to grow the women’s game with every shot.
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