Jeeno Thitikul's Insane Shanghai Comeback, Wins Via 5-Hole Playoff!

Young Thai golfer Atthaya "Jeeno" Thitikul has once again proven she deserves her status as the world's number one female golfer. Through a fierce battle at the Buick LPGA Shanghai, Jeeno successfully defeated Japanese golfer Minami Katsu after a tense five-hole playoff duel on Sunday, October 12, 2025, local time in the afternoon.

This victory felt incredibly special for Jeeno. Besides being her second title this season, after the Mizuho Americas Open in May, this result also served as personal redemption following the four-putt incident on the final hole of last month's Kroger Queen City Championship tournament, which had left a deep sense of disappointment.

"What happened in the previous tournament was still on my mind. But being able to prove myself again in this tournament feels like a dream come true, and now I no longer carry that burden on my shoulders," said Atthaya, quoted from the official LPGA website.

Jeeno's Spectacular Comeback at Qizhong Garden

The match at Qizhong Garden Golf Club, Shanghai, unfolded under high tension. Jeeno had trailed Katsu, currently ranked 43rd in the world, by four strokes. However, the 22-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure and a champion's mentality.

With three birdies and one eagle from holes 14 to 17, Jeeno managed to catch up and level the score with Katsu at 24-under par. Jeeno closed her round with a score of 63 (nine under par), while Katsu finished with a 65 (seven under par).

The eagle on the 17th hole was a key moment, an incredible shot that not only revived her chances but also completely transformed the atmosphere of the game.

Long Playoff, Maximum Pressure

Both players fought hard on the 18th hole, yet neither managed to capitalize on a birdie opportunity to end the match. The drama continued into a five-hole playoff, where they played the 18th hole three times and still recorded pars.

The battle finally ended on the 10th hole when Katsu failed to land her short chip shot onto the green. Jeeno calmly seized this golden opportunity, hitting a short iron shot that landed just four feet from the hole. A smooth birdie sealed her victory after Katsu was unable to save her chip from off the green.

With this result, Atthaya Thitikul claimed her sixth career title on the LPGA Tour, simultaneously becoming the first golfer of the 2025 season to collect more than one victory. An achievement that further solidifies her dominance in women's golf.

Meanwhile, Australia's Minjee Lee, currently ranked fourth in the world, finished in third place after carding four birdies in the last five holes and closing with a score of 68 strokes (three under par), for a total of 19-under par.

Jeeno and a Message for Young Golfers

Jeeno's comeback story is not just about the victory on the scoreboard. More than that, it's a lesson in composure, focus, and fighting spirit under pressure. In a sport like golf, mental strength often becomes the deciding factor, and Jeeno just provided the perfect example of how to turn the tide through sheer determination.

The victory in Shanghai also strengthens her position as a role model for young golfers in Asia, especially for those carving out careers in the professional world.