Jeeno Thitikul’s Dominance Continues at the CME Group Tour Championship: Six-Shot Lead After Three Rounds
The CME Group Tour Championship is witnessing an extraordinary display of golf prowess as Jeeno Thitikul continues to dominate the leaderboard. After the third round, Thitikul is six shots ahead, setting a new 54-hole tournament record. This Thai golfer is on a remarkable journey, having already claimed the title last year.
Thitikul’s Performance: A Masterclass in Consistency
In her third round, Thitikul showcased her exceptional skills with an eight-under-par 64, moving her to an impressive 22 under overall. The 22-year-old’s focus and determination are evident in her words, as she aims to make as many birdies as possible.
Competitive Landscape: Pajaree Anannarukarn and Nelly Korda in Contention
Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn and world number two Nelly Korda are joint second, both shooting 65 on Saturday. Thitikul’s lead is significant, having started the day three strokes ahead at the halfway stage. However, a bogey on the first hole slightly disrupted her momentum.
Birdie Bonanza: Thitikul’s Back-to-Back Birdies
Thitikul’s resilience shone through as she quickly recovered with birdies on the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth holes. The back nine was equally impressive, with four consecutive birdies from the 11th to the 15th, followed by another on the 17th. This performance puts her on track to become the second woman to win the tournament in successive years, following South Korea’s Ko Jin-young.
Potential Prize: A Life-Changing Reward
Should Thitikul secure victory, she will not only etch her name in golf history but also take home a substantial $4m (£3.1m) in prize money from a total pot of $11m (£8.4m). This tournament is a testament to her hard work and dedication, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the final round.