Jeeno Thitikul Doubles LPGA Earnings With Record-Breaking $4 Million Finale Victory

Thai golf sensation Jeeno Thitikul has just capped a historic season with a massive payday. She clinched the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida on November 24, 2024. Her four-stroke victory earned her the largest first-place prize in women’s golf history.

This $4 million winner’s check from the LPGA Tour finale instantly doubled her earnings for the entire year. According to Reuters, her season total now stands at a staggering $7.58 million. The win also secured her two of the tour’s most prestigious season-long honors.

A Victory That Rewrote the Record Books

Thitikul’s win was about more than just money. She posted a birdie on the final hole to secure her victory. That shot also cemented a new LPGA record for the lowest scoring average in a single season.

Her average of 68.681 strokes per round finally broke a legendary mark. It edged out the 68.697 average set by Annika Sorenstam back in 2002. Sorenstam’s record had stood for over two decades, making Thitikul’s achievement particularly significant.

The financial impact is equally monumental. Before this event, Thitikul had earned approximately $3.5 million during the season. The $4 million championship prize propelled her total beyond $7.5 million in official earnings.

Securing a Legacy and Dominating the Competition

This victory secured Thitikul the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year award. She also claimed the Vare Trophy for that record-low scoring average. At just 22 years old, she has firmly established herself as the tour’s new dominant force.

Her season earnings are nearly double those of her closest competitor. Australian star Minjee Lee finished second on the money list with just over $3.9 million. Thitikul’s financial dominance underscores her consistent performance all year.

American favorite Nelly Korda finished fifth in the seasonal standings. Korda won seven events the previous season but did not win a tournament this year. This pattern mirrors a feat last achieved by Tiger Woods in 2010.

Jeeno Thitikul’s record-shattering season and doubled LPGA earnings mark a pivotal moment in women’s golf, proving that elite performance is now met with truly elite compensation.

Thought you’d like to know

How old is Jeeno Thitikul?

Jeeno Thitikul is 22 years old. She turned professional in 2022 and has quickly become one of the LPGA Tour’s most successful players. Her seven career wins have come in a remarkably short timeframe.

What are Thitikul’s total career earnings?

With her latest $4 million prize, Thitikul’s career earnings on the LPGA Tour have reached approximately $17.4 million. This massive sum has been accumulated in just three seasons since she joined the tour.

Why was this victory so significant?

This win was significant for both its historical and financial weight. Thitikul broke Annika Sorenstam’s long-standing scoring record. She also claimed the largest single prize in women’s golf history.

Who was the runner-up at the tournament?

Fellow Thai golfer Pajaree Anannarukarn finished in second place, four shots behind Thitikul. Anannarukarn earned $1 million for her performance, which accounted for a large portion of her own season earnings.

What awards did Thitikul win this season?

Thitikul won the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year award and the Vare Trophy. The Vare Trophy is awarded to the player with the lowest adjusted scoring average for the season.