“Keep believing but not expecting. The present moment is all you have, so please enjoy it.” This quote from Atthaya "Jeeno" Thitikul’s Instagram bio perfectly sums up the mindset of the rising star in women’s golf. At only 21 years old, Thitikul is already achieving remarkable success on the LPGA Tour, and her journey serves as an inspiration to young girls everywhere.
A Historic Win at the LPGA Tour Championship
Thitikul’s victory at the 2024 LPGA Tour Championship in Naples, Florida, marked a defining moment in her career. She claimed the $4 million first-place prize—the largest in professional women’s golf history—after firing a seven-under 65 in the final round. Tied with Angel Yin going into the final day, Thitikul’s confidence was clear as she birdied three of her first seven holes. Her performance on the back nine, including an eagle and a birdie, sealed her win.
“Actually, I don’t know what’s happening to me on 17 and 18,” Thitikul said in a post-competition interview by the LPGA, reflecting on her remarkable finish. “It’s just like, you know, all the hard work that I’ve been doing... it’s just like paying off.” The LPGA Tour’s most significant prize has become a symbol of Thitikul’s growing VISibility. This win not only capped off an incredible season, but also highlights her rising prominence in the sport.
The Importance of VISibility
Thitikul’s success on the golf course plays a crucial role in increasing VISibility for women in golf, where representation isn’t always easy to see. Through her victories and professional demeanor, she challenges stereotypes and paves the way for more women to see themselves in roles traditionally dominated by men.
Looking ahead, Thitikul’s VISion for her future goes beyond just winning golf tournaments. After earning a $1 million bonus for her play throughout the season, Thitikul took home $5 million this week. Now that the 4x LPGA Tour winner is the player with the most on-course earnings this year, is she going to spend it well?
“We're not here for the prize money. We are here to grow the game of golf more.”
“Definitely spend it,” she laughed when talking about her plans for the money in an interview, “but like saving it for my parents as well. Because I told them that I’m shopping a lot. Don’t tell my parents that I’ve been spending all the money.”
Her focus on the present, combined with her clear VISion for what’s next, demonstrates a balance of passion, ambition, and responsibility. “Like I said, my million is good enough, at Aon. I think I'm at the point that I'm not really thinking about the prize money that much,” Thitikul said. “Like Lydia Ko said at Grant Thornton, we're not here for the prize money. We are here to grow the game of golf more.”
VISion for the Future
As Thitikul’s career continues to unfold, she’s creating a blueprint for how women in sport can not only succeed, but thrive. Her wins, including her win at the Aon Risk Reward Challenge as well as the CME group tour Championship, will be remembered as a major step forward in the VISibility of women’s golf.
“I’m very proud to win the Aon Risk Reward Challenge and join the players who came before me in taking home the Aon Trophy,” Thitikul told LPGA. “This competition celebrates the strategic decision-making that defines the game of golf, and it’s great to be recognized for my performance this season.”
Thitikul herself will undoubtedly be remembered as a VISionary athlete who used her platform to inspire, uplift, and grow the game. For her, every step forward is a step closer to inspiring future generations of women golfers. They can see Thitikul as not just a champion on the course, but also a trailblazer for women in sport.
