Jeeno Thitikul made a sparkling season start in Riyadh at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, clinching her 17th professional title with a calm and collected final-round 69 to finish 16-under par.
Not a bad early birthday gift for the Thai sensation, who turns 22 next Thursday (February 20).
Fresh off the offseason, Thitikul wasted no time in asserting her dominance. “It’s the best present I’ve ever received in my life!” she beamed moments after signing her card.
“I didn’t expect to win my first event of the year, especially after such a long break.
But this victory really sets the tone for the season.” Her three-shot overnight lead ballooned to five in the first 10 holes, courtesy of four birdies on a windy, sun-baked Riyadh Golf Club.
And though she dropped a single stroke on the back nine, nobody got close enough to apply any real pressure.
Closest among the chasers was Korea’s Somi Lee, whose two-under 70 saw her safely into second place.
Meanwhile, England’s Annabell Fuller mounted a commendable back-nine charge after a rocky front nine to secure solo third.
Fuller’s third-place finish, which earns her $270,000, is her best-ever performance on the Ladies European Tour—no small feat when you consider the hefty costs of playing and travelling at this level.
“This kind of tournament is life-changing,” Fuller explained. “Seeing how Jeeno Thitikul recovered from tough spots was incredible.
Her short game is next level. I’m taking a ton of confidence from these last two weeks.”
This year’s PIF Saudi Ladies International brought a whopping $5 million prize fund to the table, matching the purse of its men’s counterpart on the Asian Tour.
That milestone reflects Golf Saudi and PIF’s steadfast commitment to advancing the women’s game—a point Thitikul was keen to emphasise.
“They’ve invested so much in women’s golf, and it’s making a real difference,” she said. “Bringing in top players and giving us a stage like this helps the sport grow, especially for the next generation.”
The organizers also unveiled a new two-day team format, adding another layer of excitement for fans and competitors alike.
Korea’s Somi Lee captained her squad to a two-shot victory in the team event, hoisting the trophy in style the day before Thitikul’s final singles triumph.
All in all, it was a riveting showcase of women’s golf: dramatic putts, clutch recoveries, and a shining new champion who’s already proven she can carry the weight of big expectations.
If Thitikul’s performance in Riyadh is any indication, the rest of the season should be one to watch—especially with her 22nd birthday celebrations just around the corner.
