LPGA: Jeeno Thitikul wins the largest purse in the history of women’s golf

Trailing by two shots with two holes to play, Jeeno Thitikul knew exactly what needed to be done to win the largest purse in women’s golf history.

By finishing her round with an eagle and a birdie, for the second day in a row, she achieved her objective.

Thitikul earned a record $4 million first-place check by winning the LPGA Tour Championship on Sunday. It is the largest sum of money in the history of women’s golf, larger even than the winners’ shares of three of this year’s four major men’s championships.

Thitikul shot a 65, seven shots under par and finished the week at 22 under, one shot ahead of Angel Yin (66). Yin had a two-shot lead going into the 17th tee, but he had to settle for a check for $1 million.

The victory and huge check came down to the 18th hole, with Thitikul and Yin tied after a day of back-and-forth atop the leaderboard – both knowing a mistake would likely cost them $3 million.

They reached the aisle at 18^e. Thitikul’s approach was almost perfect, stopping five feet from the cup. Yin’s response stopped about fifteen meters away, giving Thitkul the advantage.

Yin’s roll just missed. Thitikul’s was right in the center of the cup. And the fate was decided.

Canadian Brooke Henderson, with a card of 66 in the final round, finished the competition tied for 8^e position.

The 1^re player in the world, Nelly Korda, winner of seven tournaments in 2024, took 5^e place.