Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul carded an eagle and birdie on the final two holes to take a dramatic victory in the LPGA Tour’s season-finale in Florida.
The 21-year-old moved level with American Angel Yin on 21 under after her three on the par-five 17th.
Yin narrowly missed a lengthy putt to go to 22 under on the 18th before Thitikul, helped by a brilliant approach shot, holed her birdie putt to win the CME Group Tour Championship and claim the $4m (£3.2m) in prize money, which is the largest in the history of women’s golf.
The two players were in the joint lead on 15 under overnight and Thitikul finished with a seven-under 65, while Yin signed for a 66.
“I don’t know what happened to me on 17 and 18,” said Thitikul. “I really needed a birdie on 17 to give me a good chance but having an eagle, it was more than I can ask for.
“Hitting a really good second shot on 18 and to hole the putt, it’s like all the hard work that I’ve done has just paid off.”
Yin received $1m (£795,300) for finishing as the runner-up.
“My game is good going into next year,” she added.
“I’m happy because this is a golf course I’m not very fond of. To play well here means a lot to me.”
World number one Nelly Korda ended 15 under after a 66, while England’s Charley Hull – who was four shots off the lead going into the last day – finished on 11 under after a level-par finish.
