Thai Star Jeeno Thitikul Secures Fourth LPGA Title in Hawaii

Thitikul Claims LOTTE Championship in Hawaii

Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul secured her fourth LPGA Tour title of the current season yesterday, October 5, 2026, triumphing at the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii. The world number two delivered a final round of four-under-par 68 at Hoakalei Country Club, concluding the tournament with an impressive total score of 21-under-par.

This win marks Thitikul's eleventh career LPGA victory, positioning her just one title shy of matching Ariya Jutanugarn's record as the most decorated Thai player on the tour. Her dominant performance saw her finish three strokes ahead of the field, matching world number one Nelly Korda for the highest number of tour wins this year.

Overcoming Late Challenges

Thitikul's path to victory was not without its moments of tension during the final day's play. After driving her ball into the water on the par-4 16th hole, she incurred a double bogey, temporarily relinquishing a two-shot advantage.

However, the Thai sensation quickly rebounded, sinking a crucial 20-foot birdie putt on the subsequent par-4 17th, swinging momentum back in her favour. She then sealed her win with another birdie on the par-5 18th. South Korea's Ina Yoon, playing alongside Thitikul in the final group, also faced difficulties, driving into the water on the 17th and carding a bogey. Yoon finished with a 68, securing second place, her sixth top-10 finish this year without an LPGA Tour win.

Strong Showing from Regional Players

Beyond the top two, other players from the Asia-Pacific region delivered notable performances at the Hawaiian event. Japan's Miyu Yamashita finished third overall, recording a final round 67 to reach 17-under-par. Australia was well represented, with Grace Kim closing her week with a 69 to tie for seventh place, seven shots behind Thitikul.

Fellow Australians Cassie Porter and Robyn Choi also made their mark, with Porter tying for 18th at 11-under-par after a 67, and Choi finishing tied for 28th at eight-under-par following a round of 70.

LPGA Tour Shifts to Asia

This Hawaiian championship marks the conclusion of the LPGA Tour's events in the United States before its annual swing through Asia. The tour is scheduled to commence a series of four tournaments across the continent, beginning with the Buick LPGA Shanghai.

This event is set to take place from October 15 to 18, offering Asian golf fans and players the opportunity to witness top-tier competition on home soil.

The shift eastward highlights the growing global reach of women's professional golf and its increasing engagement with the vibrant Asian market, providing local players with crucial opportunities for competitive play and ranking points.