In one of the most dramatic finishes at Qizhong Garden Golf Club, world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul outlasted the field and course conditions to win the Buick LPGA Shanghai in a five-hole playoff on Sunday.
The playoff featured a fierce battle between Thitikul and Minami Katsu, who had led after 54 holes.
Though Minjee Lee, Somi Lee, and Jenny Bae finished close behind, the playoff spotlight belonged to Thitikul and Katsu, who matched each other shot-for-shot through four extra holes before the Thai star finally broke through.
Apart from the course conditions, Shanghai’s heat made the event even more challenging. Acknowledging the same LPGA had also issued a statement after Day 1.
But nothing could stop No. 1 on Sunday. Thitikul fired a final round of 63, the lowest of the day, with seven birdies and an eagle, to force the playoff.
Katsu, who carded a strong 65, had extended her lead to four shots after the 13th hole. But Thitikul clawed back with birdies on 14, 15, and 16.
She continued the momentum with a jaw-dropping eagle on the 17th. That tied things up. Katsu had a birdie chance on 18 to win outright, but missed by inches.
In the playoffs, Thitikul seized the moment, firing a pinpoint approach shot to within 10 feet and then coolly sank the birdie putt to clinch the title.
With the win, Thitikul earned $330,000 from the $2.2 million purse, marking her second LPGA victory of the season.
The first came earlier this year at the Honda LPGA Thailand. More importantly, she solidified her spot atop the world rankings, having overtaken Nelly Korda earlier this season after a string of top finishes.
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