"This Sounds Bad But...": American LPGA Pro Reveals Her Honest Feelings About World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul
April 18, 2025, Tarzana, California, USA: Jeeno Thitikul during round two of the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro Friday April 18, 2025 at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Tarzana USA - ZUMAp124 20250418_zaa_p124_121 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
April 18, 2025, Tarzana, California, USA: Jeeno Thitikul during round two of the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro Friday April 18, 2025 at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Tarzana USA - ZUMAp124 20250418_zaa_p124_121 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
Most players play it safe when asked about Jeeno Thitikul, but Angel Yin chose to go no-holds-barred while talking about the current world No. 1.
The defending Honda LPGA Thailand champion appeared in the pre-event post conference of the same tournament on February 18. Besides other issues, Yin provided her honest opinion about Thitikul's current world ranking.
Initially, Yin lauded Thitikul for her "consistency," and later came up with an uncanny way to praise her. She said, "This sounds bad but it's a compliment; she doesn't have this spectacular multiple wins a year or those huge highlights, but I think that just shows how good she is. Because she's just so consistent that she; because of her consistency she became world No. 1."
January 29, 2026, Orlando, Florida, USA: Angel Yin tees off the first hole during the first round of the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20260129_fap_w109_058 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
January 29, 2026, Orlando, Florida, USA: Angel Yin tees off the first hole during the first round of the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20260129_fap_w109_058 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
Thitikul's 2025 performances imply that Yin's comments are indeed a compliment for her. The 22-year-old finished the season with three LPGA wins: The Mizuho Americas Open, a title in Shanghai, and the CME Group Tour Championship in November.
There wasn’t a point where she suddenly went on a tear. She just kept grinding, kept finishing near the top, and let it all add up. That's what Yin possibly highlighted in her out-of-the-box appreciation.
Now Yin and Thtikul are paired for Thursday, February 19's opening round with LPGA pro, Akie Iwai. It’s the same group as last year, but the situations are different this time. However, the records aren't in favor of Thitikul.
Jeeno Thitikul Has Never Won at the Honda LPGA Thailand’s Venue
Six starts at Siam Country Club with three top-three finishes. No wins. That’s Thitikul’s record here, and she comes in this week as world No. 1 on home soil for the first time.
Everything is in place for her to finally get the win. As for Yin, playing next to the world's best in front of a packed home crowd? She laughed when a reporter asked if it was intimidating.
"I think I'm more worried and busy about my own stuff," she said.
The 2026 Honda LPGA Thailand is scheduled for February 19–22, with $1.8 million up for grabs.
So, do you think Thitikul will turn the home crowd’s support into her first win on this course? Or will Yin find the same magic that made this course feel like hers last year?
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Written by
Sneha Abraham
Edited by
Souvik Roy