World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul claimed her eighth career LPGA victory at the Honda LPGA Thailand, marking her first win in her home country. The 23-year-old Thai golfer finished at 24 under par, edging out Japan's Chizzy Iwai by one stroke. Thitikul's emotional triumph came with her mother watching in person for the first time.
Jeeno Thitikul's 2026 season began strongly as she won the Honda LPGA Thailand on Sunday, posting rounds of 67-63-66-68 for a total of 24 under par. She finished one shot ahead of Chizzy Iwai of Japan, with Hyo Joo Kim of Korea placing third at 22 under. Entering the final round with a two-stroke lead after birdieing the last three holes of her third round, Thitikul added six birdies on Sunday, tying for the most in the tournament with 25 overall.
Thitikul, who has now competed in her home-country event eight times, previously achieved her best result as runner-up in 2021. Reflecting on the victory, she said, “I mean, I would rate it like A+++ something... winning in my home country just means a lot to me, sometime more than a major feeling.” The win held added significance as her mother attended in person for the first time. “Yeah, it’s mean a lot. My mom just came up to me when I finished 18 and she cried a lot, and then I told her, I finally won the tournament in front of you,” Thitikul shared.
With three wins in five starts this season, Thitikul has earned $17,704,399 in 86 career starts, placing her seventh on the LPGA all-time money list. Annika Sorenstam leads with $22,583,693 from 308 starts. The LPGA tour next heads to the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, starting Thursday, February 26, where Lydia Ko is the defending champion.
