(C) KBS
NAPLES, Florida – Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand cemented her status as the undisputed No. 1 in women's golf, securing a dominant victory at the LPGA Tour's season-ending CME Group Tour Championship and claiming an unprecedented sweep of the tour's top honors. Finishing at a commanding 26-under-par 262, Thitikul notched a four-stroke win over her compatriot Pajaree Anannarukarn at Tiburón Golf Club (Par 72) on Sunday, November 24 (KST).
The victory marked a successful defense of her 2024 title, making her only the second player in the history of the CME Group Tour Championship to achieve back-to-back wins, following Jin Young Ko's feat in 2020 and 2021.
The Grand Slam: Player of the Year, Money Title, and Vare Trophy
Thitikul's triumph in Naples was more than just a tournament win; it was the final stroke in a career-defining season. The 22-year-old Thai sensation clinched the Rolex Player of the Year award, the LPGA Tour Official Money Title, and the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average—a remarkable triple crown, last achieved by Lydia Ko in 2022. It is Thitikul's first Player of the Year award, her second consecutive Money Title, and her second Vare Trophy in three years (her first was in 2023).
The immense success translated into a staggering financial reward. Thitikul collected the winner's check of $4 million (approx. 5.88 billion KRW), matching the largest winner's payout in women's golf for the second year running. Her total season earnings soared to $7,578,330 (approx. 11.15 billion KRW), shattering the LPGA Tour's single-season money record of $6,059,309, which she herself established the previous year.
Kim Sei-young Leads Consistent Korean Contingent
South Korea's Sei Young Kim delivered a strong performance to finish in solo sixth place. Kim carded a 1-under 71 in the final round (two birdies, one bogey), concluding the tournament with a total score of 16-under 272. This result caps a steady season for Kim, who secured her 13th career LPGA Tour win at the BMW Ladies Championship last month—her first victory in five years. She finished the 2025 season with 10 top-10 finishes across 21 events.
Further down the leaderboard, Korean players So Mi Lee and Hae Ran Ryu shared a respectable tie for 10th place, both finishing at 13-under 275.
Meanwhile, American star Nelly Korda finished solo third at 20-under 268. Despite the high finish, Korda, who dominated with seven wins last season, concluded the 2025 LPGA Tour season without a single victory. The 2026 LPGA Tour season is scheduled to commence with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions on January 29.
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