Thai Golfer Wins 4th Title After Comeback on Final 2 Holes

When your ball splashes into the water with two holes left and your lead evaporates, most people would crumble. Jeeno Thitikul grabbed another trophy instead.

The 23-year-old from Thailand watched her two-shot advantage disappear on the par-4 16th hole Sunday at the LOTTE Championship. Her tee shot found water, leading to a double bogey that tied the tournament with just two holes remaining at Hoakalei Country Club in Hawaii.

What happened next showed why Thitikul has become one of golf's most reliable closers. On the 17th hole, she sank a birdie putt from roughly 20 feet while competitor Ina Yoon found water and made bogey.

Thitikul didn't stop there. She added another birdie on the 18th hole, closing with a 4-under 68 to finish at 21-under par and beat Yoon by three strokes.

"I know 16 was terrible," Thitikul said after her win. "But I just tell myself that, 'Hey, it's two hole left. Everything can happen.'"

That mindset transformed potential heartbreak into her fourth LPGA Tour victory of 2026 and the 11th of her young career. She now ties Nelly Korda for the most tour wins this season.

The victory carries extra meaning for Thai golf fans. Thitikul became the first player from Thailand to win the LOTTE Championship and moved within one victory of Ariya Jutanugarn's record for most LPGA Tour wins by a Thai player.

Why This Inspires

Thitikul's comeback reminds us that setbacks don't define us. Her response to that water ball on 16 proves that champions aren't people who never mess up but people who recover fastest when they do.

In a sport where mental toughness separates winners from almost-winners, the young Thai golfer showed remarkable composure. She could have panicked, overthought her next shots, or played it safe.

Instead, she trusted herself to be aggressive when it mattered most. That courage under pressure produced two clutch birdies when she needed them desperately.

Her performance sends an important message beyond the golf course: when things fall apart near the finish line, you still have time to turn it around. Everything can happen in those final moments if you believe it can.

After nearly giving away a championship, Thitikul finished with authority and another trophy.