Thailand ace Jeeno Thitikul has quickly overcome a late double bogey on a windy afternoon to claim her fourth LPGA Tour victory of the season in the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii.
World No.2 Thitikul matched world No.1 Nelly Korda for the season victory lead as she posted a four under 68 for a 21-under total to win by three shots from final group partner Ina Yoon (68) at Hoakalei Country Club on Sunday.
After driving into the water and losing a two-shot lead on the par-4 16th, Thitikul made a 20-foot birdie putt on the par-4 17th for another two-shot swing. She closed with a birdie on the par-5 18th.
“I don’t know how I did that, but obviously, it’s kind of really like good battle with Ina,” Thitikul said. “She played incredible on the front nine.”
South Korean Yoon drove into the water on 17 and made bogey, then parred the last. She’s winless on the LPGA Tour, with six top top-10 finishes this year.
“It was super fun today,” Yoon said. “Jeeno played great.”
Miyu Yamashita of Japan was third at 17 under after a 67.
Australia’s Grace Kim completed a fine week with a closing 69 to tie for seventh place, seven shots behind Thitikul, with Cassie Porter (67, 11 under) tied 18th and Robyn Choi (70, eight under) tied 28th.
With her 11 titles, Thitikul moved within a victory of tying Ariya Jutanugarn as the winningest LPGA Tour player from Thailand.
The tour is headed to Asia for four tournaments, starting with the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Oct. 15-18.
