On a sunny Sunday afternoon at TPC River’s Bend, Lydia Ko captured her third LPGA Tour victory of the 2024 season, making a spectacular finish at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G.
The win marks an exceptional moment in Ko’s career, as it’s her first back-to-back LPGA tour victory since 2016, coming right after her triumph at the AIG Women’s Open.
Reflecting on her journey, Ko expressed, “It’s been pretty surreal. I had the most unbelievable three weeks in Europe, and after having another three weeks off, you’re not entirely sure what it’s going to be like. I started off this event really strong, playing well the first couple of days.”
The final round became a head-to-head battle between Ko and rising star Jeeno Thitikul. The day started with Thitikul two strokes ahead, but Ko quickly closed the gap with a birdie on the par-4 1st hole.
Both players showed skill and determination, matching each other’s birdies and pars until Ko’s eagle on the 11th gave her a lead she would not relinquish.
Ko described the intensity of the competition, “I hung in there yesterday, and I said I know that Jeeno and a lot of the other girls aren’t going to play bad golf, so I just got to try and play even better golf. To have a round like this to cap off a win is pretty special.”
Despite a strong challenge from Thitikul, Ko maintained her lead, further extending it with consistent birdies.
Thitikul fought valiantly, but a few pivotal bogeys widened the gap enough to secure Ko’s commanding win.
The competition concluded with Ko five strokes ahead, her final birdie on the 18th being a ceremonial flourish on a dominant performance.
Thitikul, who finished as runner-up, shared her admiration for Ko: “It’s super insane. (Lydia’s) putter was on fire today.
She make it everywhere that she have a chance,” said Thitikul. “I respect her as like my older sister, as a legend, and also as my role model.
It was such a really good experience watching her in my eyes on the same tee box, on the same greens.”
The event wrapped up with Ko firmly establishing herself not just as a formidable competitor, but as a seasoned player who thrives under pressure, her consistency throughout the season paying dividends.
