Thailand s Jeeno Thitikul keeps cool to win LPGA s Americas Open

NEW YORK – Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul kept her cool and patience as she collected her fifth LPGA Tour title with victory at the Americas Open at Liberty National on May 11.

The world No. 2 shot a solid three-under 69 to win by four strokes from France’s Celine Boutier, who shot an even-par 72 in her final round.

Jeeno finished 17-under for the week after staying out of trouble and making birdies on the first, ninth and 17th.

The 22-year-old Thai star had finished off last season with victory in the Tour Championship in November and won on the Ladies European Tour in Saudi Arabia in February.

The win in Jersey City was her 11th professional victory on all tours, but having started her round with just a one-stroke advantage over Boutier, said she had no clue of the leaderboard situation as she approached the final hole.

“I had no idea. Maybe on the last putt because I didn’t even look at the leaderboard at all, to be honest. I just asked my caddie if I need to make a par or not,” she said.

“He said, ‘It’s OK, I think you’re safe’. I was just like, OK, so actually I can breathe now.”

Jeeno said that tricky pin positions combined with the weather had made it a battle to make par.

“Bogey-free on the final round, final group, as well, because the pin positions were so tough today, as well. We got a lot of wind, and then a lot of nerves and excitement for sure,” she said.

“I just really told myself to be patient out there. I know I was just trying to keep my ball where I have a chance to make it, but if I not make it, I’m fine because I know not every