World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul arrives at the Chevron Championship in Houston facing what she calls the challenge of her career. Despite 21 professional wins and LPGA Player of the Year honors in 2025, major titles have slipped away in recent contention. She remains grounded but recognizes the mounting pressure.
Jeeno Thitikul has built an impressive resume with eight LPGA victories, five on the Ladies European Tour, back-to-back CME Group Tour Championships, and two Vare Trophies. Named 2025 LPGA Player of the Year alongside one other multi-title winner, she boasts nine top-10 finishes in 27 major starts as a professional. Yet, the biggest prizes remain out of reach, including a 36-hole lead at the 2024 Chevron Championship that faded as Nelly Korda claimed victory, a weekend collapse to Minjee Lee at the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA, and a dramatic loss to Grace Kim at the Evian Championship. Thitikul said on Tuesday at Memorial Park in Houston, laughing, “Every time I lost in a major, for sure, people remind every week. Obviously, I think it’s just the challenge of my career.” From her hometown of Ratchaburi, Thailand, Thitikul learned golf from her grandfather and turned pro to support her family. Last year, she downplayed major pressure, stating, “Every major, I just want to make the cut, to be honest,” and expressed no regrets even without a major win. After a heartbreaking four-putt loss at the Kroger Championship, she cried at home in Dallas before rebounding with a historic comeback in Shanghai. There, she reflected, “I’ve got nothing to be scared of anymore.” Now 22, Thitikul views majors as her toughest test but believes putting herself in contention positions her for success. Her perspective blends humility with determination as she tees off this week.
