JERSEY CITY, N.J. โ Thailandโs Jeeno Thitikul clinched a resounding victory at the Mizuho Americas Open on Sunday, displaying remarkable composure as she played bogey-free golf over the last 27 holes at Liberty National. Closing with a formidable 3-under 69, Thitikul finished four shots ahead of her nearest rival, Celine Boutier. This triumph marks Thitikulโs first victory of the year and the fifth win in her LPGA Tour career, adding to her impressive accolades after securing the Race to CME Globe and its $4 million prize last season.
Meanwhile, Nelly Korda sought her first win of the year but faltered after coming close. Her game began to unravel following a drive into a hazard at the par-4 ninth, which resulted in a bogey. Thereafter, Korda couldnโt regain her rhythm, recording two more bogeys without any additional birdies and diminishing her chances of posing a serious threat.
Boutier emerged as the final contender threatening Thitikulโs lead. On the 15th hole, Boutier looked set to equal the Thai star when she positioned her approach shot just 10 feet from the hole. Thitikul, however, faced a challenging par save from a sand trap with an awkward stance. Demonstrating finesse, Thitikul executed her shot flawlessly, landing the ball 3 feet from the pin to save par. Boutier, on the other hand, missed her chance for birdie and subsequently missed a short putt, resulting in a bogey and leaving her three shots behind with only three holes left.
Boutierโs hopes further dwindled on the 16th, where she missed an 8-foot birdie attempt, while Thitikul confidently sank her 7-foot par putt. The victory was all but sealed when Thitikul drained a 10-foot birdie on the 17th, maintaining her lead through the final hole with a steady par save on the 18th.
Reflecting on her performance, Thitikul expressed satisfaction with her perseverance. โI know that a lot of putts didnโt drop on the front nine, but Iโm trying to do my best,โ she remarked. โI was just trying to tell myself, โBe patient, itโs coming, itโs coming.โ Thatโs pretty much what I told myself today.โ
Thitikulโs win, where she finished at 17-under 271, earned her $450,000, lifting her season earnings beyond $1 million and propelling her back to the top of the Race to CME Globe standings. Celine Boutier secured second place with her round of 72, while Carlota Ciganda and Andrea Lee followed closely behind.
Throughout the tournament, Thitikul displayed consistency by avoiding bogeys, starting her round with a birdie and executing a strategic use of the 6-iron, aiming for a back pin for another birdie opportunity early in the game. This conservative yet effective strategy contributed to her commanding lead.
In contrast, Korda, ranked No. 1 in womenโs golf, initially put up a strong challenge with three birdies on the front nine, coming within a single shot of Thitikul. However, after the eighth hole, she couldnโt sustain the momentum, ending the day tied for fifth with a score of 73.
The Mizuho Americas Open, hosted by Michelle Wie West, also showcased junior talent by pairing American Junior Golf Association players with LPGA professionals. Noteworthy among the youthful competitors was Aphrodite Deng, who claimed victory in the AJGA division using a modified Stableford scoring system.