How Jeeno Thitikul Claims First Title of 2025 as Nelly Korda Stumbles at Mizuho Americas Open
How Jeeno Thitikul Claims First Title of 2025 as Nelly Korda Stumbles at Mizuho Americas Open
In a dramatic finale at the Mizuho Americas Open, Thailand’s Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul captured her first title of the 2025 LPGA season, capitalizing on an uncharacteristic stumble by world No. 1 Nelly Korda in the closing stretch at Liberty National Golf Club.
Thitikul, 21, delivered a composed final round of 68, finishing the tournament at 13-under-par. It marked her third career LPGA victory and first since 2023, ending a long-awaited return to the winner’s circle after a string of top-10 finishes this year.
The spotlight heading into Sunday was squarely on Korda, who was chasing a record sixth consecutive LPGA win. She entered the final round with a one-shot lead but faltered with a back-nine collapse, carding a 74 after double-bogeying the 14th and missing a pair of short putts on 16 and 17. Korda finished in a tie for third at 10-under, three shots behind Thitikul.
“I just tried to stay focused on my game and not think about who was ahead or behind,” Thitikul said after her win. “It means a lot to get this title, especially on a course like Liberty National and against a world-class field.”
Despite the disappointing finish, Korda remained gracious in defeat. “It’s golf. Sometimes things don’t go your way,” she said. “Huge congrats to Jeeno. She played amazing and deserved the win.”
Rising American star Rose Zhang claimed solo second with a final-round 69, continuing her impressive form in her sophomore season.
Thitikul’s victory not only boosts her confidence heading into the summer swing but also adds her name back into the conversation for Player of the Year honors. With the women’s majors approaching, the LPGA season now promises a thrilling battle among the tour’s top young stars.
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