Jeeno Thitikul Clinches Buick LPGA Shanghai 2025 Title

Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul reaffirmed her dominance on the global stage after producing a sensational comeback to win the Buick LPGA Shanghai title in dramatic fashion, defeating Japan’s Minami Katsu in a tense five-hole playoff at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club today.

The world number one, who started the day four shots behind overnight leader Katsu, delivered a flawless final round nine-under 63 to tie on 24-under-par, forcing extra holes after a breathtaking back-nine surge that featured three birdies and a stunning eagle on the 17th.

At one point, the 22-year-old Thai looked out of contention as Katsu — chasing her maiden LPGA Tour title — maintained steady control. But Jeeno, displaying the composure and precision that have defined her meteoric rise, mounted a spectacular charge over the final five holes.

Her defining moment came on the 17th green, where she drained a monster eagle putt from over 30 feet to draw level with Katsu, igniting the crowd and setting up a thrilling finish.

Both players narrowly missed birdie putts for outright victory on the 18th, sending the contest into a playoff — one that would evolve into a nerve-wracking test of patience and precision.

The duo replayed the 18th hole three consecutive times, each refusing to blink as they traded pars under mounting pressure. The deadlock was finally broken on their second visit to the par-four 10th — the fifth playoff hole.

Katsu’s approach came up short, while Jeeno responded with a brilliant short iron to within four feet of the flag. After Katsu’s chip failed to drop, Jeeno coolly sank her birdie putt to seal the win and raise her arms in triumph.

“Minami played really great out there. She crushed it from Thursday until Sunday,” Jeeno said, praising her rival’s performance.

“I was just trying my best to catch her. It was a great battle, and I’m really proud to finish strong.”

The win marks Jeeno’s sixth career LPGA title and her second of the 2025 season, following her victory at the Mizuho Americas Open earlier this year. With the triumph, she becomes the first player in 2025 to claim multiple LPGA Tour titles, cementing her position atop the world rankings.

Katsu, ranked 43rd in the world, came agonizingly close to securing her breakthrough win.

“Obviously not winning is kind of disappointing,” said Katsu. “But I’m really happy with how solid I played throughout the week. It was a great experience, and I’m sure I’ll have more chances like this.”

Australia’s Minjee Lee, the world number four, finished with a late surge — four birdies in her final five holes — to post a four-under 68 and claim third place outright at 19-under-par.