In a week of unparalleled success, 21-year-old golf sensation Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand claimed the richest prize in the history of women’s golf. Her brilliant play at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship earned her an astounding $4 million first prize, surpassing the winner’s share in three of this year’s four men’s majors. Combined with a $1 million bonus from the season-long Aon Risk-Reward Challenge, Thitikul pocketed an extraordinary $5 million in a single week.
Eagle-Birdie Heroics Seal the Deal
Thitikul’s path to victory was paved with clutch shots and steely nerves. Trailing USA’s Angel Yin by two strokes with just two holes remaining, the young Thai star knew she needed something special. And special is precisely what she delivered.
For the second straight day, Thitikul unleashed a jaw-dropping eagle-birdie finish to secure the win. Her pinpoint approach at the 72nd hole settled just five feet from the cup, setting the stage for a title-clinching birdie putt. As the ball found the bottom of the cup, Thitikul’s smile lit up the green, her record-setting achievement finally a reality.
Today, standing here with the trophy, it’s more than I can ask for.
– Jeeno Thitikul, 2024 CME Group Tour Championship winner
A Lucrative Finish for Yin and Ko
While Thitikul’s triumph stole the headlines, her closest competitors also enjoyed substantial paydays. Runner-up Angel Yin, who led by two shots with two holes to play, collected a cool $1 million for her efforts. The American, who had missed the start of the season due to a broken leg, remained upbeat despite the near-miss.
I’m pretty awesome … I’ve learned that I just need to believe in myself and that’s what I did.
– Angel Yin, reflecting on her second-place finish
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko fired a sizzling final-round 63 to surge into third place. The Olympic gold medalist rattled off nine birdies in a 13-hole stretch to remind fans of her immense talent. Though her rally fell short, Ko was already looking ahead to the 2025 season.
I’m excited to be able to work hard this offseason and have another great 2025.
– Lydia Ko, Olympic champion and third-place finisher
A Landmark Moment for Women’s Golf
Thitikul’s record-shattering payday marks a significant milestone for the women’s game. For years, prize money in ladies’ golf has lagged behind the men’s tours, even at the elite level. But with the Thai trailblazer banking $4 million for a single victory, it’s clear that times are changing.
The CME Group Tour Championship’s mega-purse is a testament to the growing prestige and popularity of the women’s game. As more sponsors recognize the value of investing in female athletes, record prizes like Thitikul’s may become increasingly common. For the rising stars of the LPGA Tour, that’s an exciting prospect indeed.
The Future is Bright
As the 2024 LPGA season draws to a close, Jeeno Thitikul’s historic achievement provides a fitting exclamation point. Her record-breaking win not only cements her status as one of golf’s brightest young stars but also shines a spotlight on the extraordinary talent that permeates the women’s game.
With trailblazers like Thitikul leading the charge, women’s golf appears poised for even greater heights in the years to come. As prize money continues to rise and media coverage expands, a new generation of fans is discovering the excitement and drama that define the LPGA Tour.
For Jeeno Thitikul, the $4 million question is simple: How will she spend her historic winnings? “Definitely spend it,” the smiling champion declared. After a week of unrivaled brilliance on the course, few would begrudge her the chance to savor her success off it.
