After eight attempts, when the first professional win finally comes on home soil, it lands differently.

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul won the 2026 Honda LPGA Thailand on February 22. But the win itself meant something for World No. 6 Lydia Ko as well.

For Lydia Ko, what stood out was when Jeeno said it was the first time she had won in front of her mother. Reflecting on that moment, Ko, who finished T6 at the 2026 Honda LPGA Thailand with a total of 20-under-par, said during the press conference at HSBC Women's World Championship on Tuesday:

“I saw the little clip of Jeeno saying to her mom in Thai that it was her first time winning in front of her mother. I think that probably meant a lot to her. And it touched my heart when I heard that because I would never have guessed.”

Jeeno Thitikul finished at 24-under-par 264, one stroke ahead of Chisato Iwai. A birdie on the par-4 17th gave her the edge, and a closing 68.

The victory also marked several personal milestones for Thitikul.

Jeeno Thitikul wins with Mother by her side

After securing the win at Siam Country Club, Jeeno Thitikul rated her week as “A triple-plus.” The victory gave her an eighth career title on the LPGA Tour and marked her first professional win in Thailand.

She said that although it was not a major championship, winning in her home country meant more to her personally. Her mother, Siriwan Thitikul, was in attendance to watch her win an LPGA event in person for the first time. 

After the final putt on the 18th green, Thitikul hugged her and said, “I finally won the tournament in front of you.”

The week also aligned with her 23rd birthday on Friday, February 20. On that day, she recorded a 63 to match the course record, while fans sang “Happy Birthday” around the course.

What did you think of Jeeno Thitikul’s win on home soil?

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das