In a thrilling turn of events at the CME Group Tour Championship, Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul staged a remarkable comeback to catch the seemingly unstoppable Angel Yin for the lead heading into the final round. With an impressive 9-under 63, Thitikul erased Yin’s comfortable lead and set the stage for a riveting showdown as they vie for the $4 million top prize.
Yin’s Early Dominance
For much of the day, it appeared that Angel Yin was on an unstoppable march to victory. The young American was making putts from all over the green, including a jaw-dropping 60-foot chip-in for eagle on the par-5 sixth hole that seemed to give her an insurmountable lead. Yin’s putter stayed hot as she drained a 30-footer on the eighth, a 25-footer on the ninth, and another long-range bomb on the 12th.
Thitikul’s Stunning Surge
But just when it looked like Yin might run away with the tournament, Jeeno Thitikul came roaring back. After a sluggish start to the back nine with three straight bogeys, the 20-year-old Thai phenom caught fire. An eagle on the reachable par-5 17th, followed by a clutch birdie on the 18th, capped a back-nine 30 that brought her level with Yin at 15-under par.
“Actually, $1 million is really good enough for me,” Thitikul joked, referencing the $1 million bonus she already secured through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge. “If I can get more, it’s definitely going to be a nice, because as my team know I spend a lot of money. That’s why I have to keep playing good golf, like spending on shopping day.”
– Jeeno Thitikul
Chasing Pack Still in Contention
While Thitikul and Yin stole the show, several other contenders remain within striking distance. China’s Ruoning Yin birdied her last two holes for a 66 to sit three shots back, while England’s Charley Hull fired a 66 of her own to reach 11-under, four off the lead. Even world No. 1 Nelly Korda can’t be counted out, though her 69 leaves her six shots adrift heading into Sunday.
The Stakes Could Not Be Higher
With $4 million going to the winner, the richest prize in women’s golf history, the pressure will be immense in the final round. For Korda, a victory would be her eighth in a season that has already seen her claim four titles and over $3 million in earnings. But Thitikul and Yin will be determined to etch their names in the record books and secure a life-changing payday.
No matter the outcome, the final 18 holes at Tiburon Golf Club promise to be must-see TV. Will Angel Yin regain her early form and pull away for a wire-to-wire win? Can Jeeno Thitikul complete her improbable comeback and secure Thailand’s biggest golf triumph? Or will one of the chasing pack make a Sunday charge and steal the trophy? With so much on the line, one thing is certain: the golfing world will be watching with bated breath.
