Jeeno Thitikul Holds Three-Shot Lead Entering LOTTE Championship Final Round

Jeeno Thitikul carded a 5-under 67 on Saturday to take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the LOTTE Championship. Currently ranked second in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, Thitikul sits at 17-under 199 as she pursues her fourth LPGA Tour victory of the 2026 season.

Playing at Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, Thitikul demonstrated remarkable consistency in windy conditions, hitting 17 of 18 greens in regulation. Her round was nearly flawless until the par-4 seventh hole, where she recorded her first bogey of the tournament. She responded immediately, opening the back nine with three consecutive birdies on holes 10, 11, and 12 before closing her round with back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th.

Consistent iron play helped Thitikul hit 17 of 18 greens during the third round.

Thitikul’s performance has created a gap between herself and a crowded leaderboard of pursuers. Ina Yoon and Polly Mack are her closest challengers, both tied for second place at 14-under par. Yoon and Mack will likely need a significant surge on Sunday to catch Thitikul, who has already secured titles this year at the Honda LPGA Thailand, the Mizuho Americas Open, and the Portland Classic.

Sunday Leaderboard and Stakes

The chasing pack remains within striking distance should the leader falter. Behind Yoon and Mack, Maja Stark and Carolina Melgrati sit in a tie for fourth place at 13-under par. While Thitikul has remained the player to beat throughout the week, the windy Honolulu conditions have historically rewarded players who can manage the difficult greens at Hoakalei.

The 2026 LOTTE Championship features a $3 million total purse, with the winner set to take home $450,000. For Thitikul, a win would further solidify her standing in the Race to the CME Globe and add to her momentum before the tour moves to its Asian swing. Thitikul, the reigning 2025 LPGA Player of the Year, has maintained a high level of play throughout the season, recording only one bogey through the first 54 holes of this event.

Thitikul will attempt to close out her fourth win of the calendar year during the final round.

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