Jeeno Thitikul staged a spectacular comeback on Sunday to win the CME Group Tour Championship, taking home the biggest prize money ever awarded in women’s golf: $4 million. The young Thai closed with an eagle and a birdie on the last two holes to seal her victory with a seven-under-par 65 on Sunday and a tournament total of 22-under-par.
The win, in addition to setting a milestone in prize money in the women’s game, surpasses even the numbers awarded to the winners of three of the four major men’s tournaments this year. “Today, to be here with the trophy is more than I could ask for,” Thitikul said emotionally after her victory.
HIGHEST PAID WOMEN’S TOURNAMENTS
The $4 million prize money puts the CME Group Tour Championship at the top of the highest paid women’s events in the history of the sport. Other notable examples include the US Open Women’s Golf Championship, which in 2022 raised its total purse to $10 million thanks to ProMedica’s sponsorship, and the 2019 WTA Finals, where Ashleigh Barty took home $4.42 million, the largest individual prize ever awarded in both men’s and women’s tennis.
This milestone in golf reflects a shift in perception and support for women’s tournaments, underlining the growing interest and commitment of sponsors and sporting institutions to close the gender gap in prize money.
HEART-STOPPING FINISH ON THE CME GROUP TOUR
Thitikul faced a thrilling duel with American Angel Yin, who went into the 17th hole with a two-shot lead. However, Yin could not hold the lead and finished second with a 66, taking home a $1 million prize cheque. “I’ve learned that I just need to believe in myself, and that’s what I did,” said Yin, who returned to competition this year after overcoming a broken leg.
The 18th hole was decisive. Both players reached the fairway with their tee shots, but Thitikul left her approach to within 5 feet of the hole, securing her birdie and the victory. “All the hard work paid off,” said the Thai, who also racked up a $1 million bonus for winning the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge this week, bringing her total winnings to $5 million.
IMPACT ON WOMEN’S SPORT
Thitikul’s feat and tournament record underscore the rise of women’s sport in terms of visibility and financial compensation. This breakthrough not only inspires new generations of athletes, but also paves the way for other disciplines to increase their prize money and reaffirm the value of women’s sport on the global stage.
At the age of 21, Thitikul has established herself as one of golf’s emerging stars. Her victory marks not only a personal achievement, but a key moment for the advancement of equality in professional sport. As she said in celebration: ‘I’m definitely going to enjoy this moment, and the prize as well.
