Jeeno Thitikul’s Dominant Display at the CME Group Tour Championship
The CME Group Tour Championship is heating up, and one golfer is leaving her mark on the competition. Jeeno Thitikul, the world’s top-ranked player, has set a new 54-hole tournament record, extending her lead to a remarkable six shots. But here’s where it gets controversial: can anyone catch her, or is this title already a done deal?
In round three, Thitikul’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. She carded an impressive eight-under-par 64, pushing her overall score to an astonishing 22 under. With this feat, she becomes the first player to achieve such a score in the tournament’s history.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Thitikul, just 22 years old, shared. “I’m focused on my game and making as many birdies as possible. I know the competition is fierce, and I want to keep the momentum going.”
Thitikul’s fellow Thai golfer, Pajaree Anannarukarn, and world number two Nelly Korda are hot on her heels, both shooting a 65 on Saturday. They now sit in a joint second place, but the gap between them and Thitikul is significant.
Starting with a bogey on Saturday’s first hole, Thitikul quickly recovered, birdying the next four holes. Her back nine was even more impressive, with four consecutive birdies from the 11th to the 15th, and another on the 17th. It was a display of precision and skill that left her competitors in the dust.
If Thitikul can secure the win, she’ll join an elite group. Only South Korea’s Ko Jin-young has achieved back-to-back victories in this tournament, doing so in 2020 and 2021. Thitikul would also take home a staggering $4 million in prize money, a significant portion of the $11 million total pot.
The question remains: Can anyone stop Jeeno Thitikul’s dominance? Or is this her year to shine?
And this is the part most people miss: the drama unfolds on the course, and the story is written by the players. So, who do you think will claim the title? Let’s discuss in the comments!