Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul claimed her fourth LPGA Tour title of the year by winning the Lotte Championship at Hoakalei Country Club in Hawaii on Sunday. The world No. 2 finished with a four-under 68 in the final round to end the tournament at 21-under par, securing a three-shot victory.
South Korea’s Yoon In-a closely trailed in second place at 18-under after also carding a 68 in the closing round. Jeeno appeared to face a potential setback on the 16th hole when she recorded a double bogey, dropping her score to 19-under and narrowing her lead. However, she recovered with consecutive birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to extend her advantage and avoid a possible playoff.
“I totally have no idea how I did that,” Jeeno said about her strong finish. “It was a really good battle with In-a. She played incredible on the front nine. I knew I had to focus on my game. The 16th was terrible, a terrible hole for me. But I just tell myself that it’s two holes left and everything can happen.”
Japan’s Miyu Yamashita rounded out the top three, finishing at 17-under after a final round of 67. She edged out American Auston Kim, who ended the tournament one stroke behind in fourth place. China’s Michelle Zhang and Sweden’s Maja Stark tied for fifth at 15-under, six shots behind the champion.
The Lotte Championship, part of the LPGA Tour calendar, drew a competitive field at the Hoakalei Country Club on Oahu, showcasing several rising stars and established players. Jeeno’s victory marks a continuation of her strong season, adding to her multiple title wins and reinforcing her position near the top of the world rankings.
