These three former No. 1s make their 2025 LPGA debuts this week in Thailand
These three former No. 1s make their 2025 LPGA debuts this week in Thailand
Jeeno Thitikul will celebrate her 22nd birthday during the first round of the Honda LPGA Thailand. She was 14 the first time she made an appearance in her home event.
The World No. 2 makes her 2025 LPGA debut this week, though she's already found the winner's circle this season. Over the weekend, Thitikul collected her 17th title worldwide with a four-shot victory at the PIF Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour.
"Definitely gives more confidence because, like I said," said Thitikul, "if everyone watching my interview last week, I say I don't think my ball-striking is that good. That's why I want to work on still, which is what I focus on this week, too. I don't know what's going to happen, but I know that I'll do my best."
Thitikul will play alongside good friend Ruoning Yin, currently ranked No. 4, in her opening birthday round at Siam Country Club. Thitikul is one of 12 Thai players in the field this week, including defending champion Patty Tavatanakit.
Former No. 1 Lilia Vu joins fellow former No. 1s Thitikul and Yin in making her 2025 LPGA season debut this week. Vu collected her first LPGA title in Thailand in 2023, kicking off a season that culminated in two major championship victories and Player of the Year titles. Vu, 27, admitted to looking up to Thitikul in all aspects of life despite being several years older.
"I feel like (Jeeno) is just always having fun, eating at great places," said Vu. "She has the most fun on the golf course. Her game is fantastic. Really no weakness. I think she's just a great person all around."
Gianna Clemente, last year's AJGA Player of the Year, is competing this week on a sponsor exemption as an amateur.
Former Solheim Cup player Brittany Altomare makes her first start on the tour this week since becoming a mom. Altomare gave birth to her son, Wyatt Giblin, in March 2024.
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