Jeeno Thitikul has returned to the summit of women’s golf, reclaiming the world No. 1 position in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. The 22-year-old Thai star, already recognized as one of the sport’s most consistent and composed competitors, now begins her second reign at the top, nearly three years after first achieving the honor.
Her latest rise comes on the strength of a season built on unrelenting consistency rather than one-off heroics. Thitikul’s steady performances across the LPGA Tour in 2025—highlighted by eight top-10 finishes and a victory at the Mizuho Americas Open—created the momentum necessary to overtake longtime leader Nelly Korda. Even without a major championship win this year, her ability to contend week in and week out kept her within striking distance until the rankings shifted in her favor.
The change in positions was razor thin. Korda had held the No. 1 spot for 71 consecutive weeks, an impressive run by any measure, but her recent finishes opened the door for Thitikul to close the gap. A tie for 30th at the AIG Women’s Open, coupled with Korda’s tie for 36th at the same event, proved enough to tilt the balance. The margin—less than two-tenths of a point—was small but decisive, marking a symbolic passing of the torch back to the young Thai champion.
This is not unfamiliar territory for Thitikul. She first ascended to the top of the rankings in October 2022, holding the position for two weeks. At the time, she became only the second Thai player ever to reach world No. 1, following Ariya Jutanugarn’s historic rise in 2017. Now, with more experience and maturity, she returns to the role with a deeper understanding of what it takes to stay there.
Thitikul’s season has been defined by a remarkable balance in her game. Her accuracy off the tee, sharp iron play, and deft touch around the greens have made her a fixture on leaderboards. Just as importantly, her mental approach—calm under pressure, resilient after setbacks—has allowed her to grind out solid results even on weeks when she wasn’t at her absolute best.
The win at the Mizuho Americas Open in May was a turning point, reaffirming her ability to close out tournaments. In addition, a playoff loss at the Amundi Evian Championship showed her competitive fire, even in defeat. These results, combined with steady point accumulation across multiple events, built the platform for her return to No. 1.
For fans in Thailand, her achievement carries national significance. Thitikul has become one of the country’s most recognizable athletes, inspiring a new generation of golfers. Her journey from a teenage prodigy—winning professional events before she could even drive a car—to the top of the world rankings has been closely followed at home. Each milestone she reaches is celebrated as a point of pride for Thai sports.
Internationally, her resurgence signals a compelling new chapter in the ongoing competition among the sport’s elite. Alongside Korda, Lydia Ko, Ruoning Yin, and other top contenders, Thitikul is part of a dynamic era in women’s golf where the top spot changes hands more frequently, reflecting the depth of talent at the highest level.
Now that she has reclaimed the No. 1 ranking, the challenge will be holding onto it. The margin at the top remains razor thin, and upcoming events will offer her rivals opportunities to regain ground. For Thitikul, the key will be maintaining the focus and consistency that brought her back to the summit. With several tournaments left in the season, including two more majors, she has the chance to further solidify her position and perhaps add another championship to her résumé.
Her return to the top is not just a personal victory—it is a testament to the value of persistence and adaptability in professional golf. Jeeno Thitikul has shown that the climb to No. 1 can be made more than once, and that sometimes the second ascent is even more impressive than the first. As the season continues, the eyes of the golfing world will be on her, watching to see if she can turn this return into a sustained reign.
