Jeeno Thitikul’s 23rd birthday turned into a birdie-fest in Thailand. The world No. 1 jumped into solo second at the Honda LPGA Thailand after carding a bogey-free 9-under 63 on the Old Course at Siam Country Club. The crowds serenaded her in steamy Pattaya and, in the end, she was presented with a cake.
“They’re going to sing just only birdie putts,” said Thitikul. “Just only birdie drops and then they all sing it. Obviously nice to have a lot of birdies today, which is hear a lot of happy birthday. The most time in my life.”
Somi Lee sits three ahead of Thitikul after the South Korean put together a personal best Friday, an 11-under 61, to get to 17 under for the tournament. Lee shot 29 on the front nine and recorded an eagle on the reachable par-4 15th. The 61 ties the tournament record set by Akie Iwai last year. Lee hit 14 fairways, 16 greens and took 25 putts.
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“I had the best score of my life today so I’m a little emotional,” said Lee, who was 9 under through her first 11 holes. “But since the competition is not over and there is still two more days left, I just want to celebrate this a little bit.”
Chizzy Iwai and Lydia Ko sit in a share of third, four shots back at 14 under. Iwai’s twin sister Akie finished solo second to Angel Yin last year at the event.
“I saw so many Akie photo in the golf course, so that inspired me,” said Chizzy, who like her sister, won last year as an LPGA rookie. Chizzy’s goals for the year are simple: stay healthy and move into the top 10 in the world. She’s currently 30th.
Ko’s 64 included six birdies and an eagle on the 15th. The LPGA Hall of Famer is competing in Thailand for the first time since 2023.
This marks the first time that Thitikul has played on home soil as a world No. 1.
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At age 14, Thitikul competed in the event for the first time, beating half the field. Now, almost 10 years later, she returns as a seven-time LPGA champion with more than $17 million in career earnings. Friday’s 63 marked her best round at the Honda LPGA Thailand.
“To be able to play as a world No. 1 in my hometown,” said Thitikul, “which is kind of meaning to not just me, but to be honest, for the teams and then for all the Thai people that can be proud. It’s just an example to all the kids that it’s nothing impossible.”
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Jeeno Thitikul shoots 63 at Honda LPGA Thailand on her 23rd birthday
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