[PHOTO: Scott Taetsch]
Think about every payday you’ve ever had. Your pay cheque comes with happiness, validation for a job well done and maybe even relief, depending on your financial situation. But with it also comes conflict; conflict about whether to save that money for a rainy day like a responsible adult or spend it on something that makes being a responsible adult tolerable.
Professional golfers are decidedly not like us, both in terms of ability on the golf course and personal finances, but they can certainly relate to this conundrum. Just ask the CME Group Tour Championship winner Jeeno Thitikul. Yesterday, the world No.7 roared back from two shots down with two holes to play, finishing eagle-birdie to claim the $US4 million purse, the largest in women’s golf history. Asked what she planned to do with her record-breaking windfall after the round, she delivered a hilariously honest – and painfully relatable – answer.
“Definitely spend it!” 😂🏆
Jeeno Thitikul, 2024 CME Group Tour Champion and newest owner of $4 million. pic.twitter.com/SnSIVUyxvb
— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) November 24, 2024
“Definitely spend it!” Sorry Ernst & Young, but that’s our kind of financial planning.
In all seriousness, though, that’s also the correct answer. Thitikul is just 21 years old. There’s a lot she probably needs as she puts down roots in women’s golf. A house, a new car, maybe an offseason trip to unwind. All of these can be looked at as investments for any young person… especially when that person just won $US5 million in a single week (Thitikul also earned $US1 million for winning the season-long AEON Risk Reward Challenge).
Even so, she did have one request: “Don’t tell my parents I’ve been spending all the money!”
Don’t worry, Jeeno. Your secret is safe with us.
