Rolex No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul Ascends Honda LPGA Thailand Leaderboard

PATTAYA (Azat TV) – Rolex Rankings No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul delivered a spectacular performance in the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand on Friday, February 20, 2026, carding a 9-under 63 to significantly climb the leaderboard. The stellar round, which coincided with her 23rd birthday, propelled the Thai native from a tie for sixth into solo second place, placing her just three strokes behind the 36-hole leader, Somi Lee, as the tournament progresses at Siam Country Club.

Thitikul, a seven-time LPGA Tour winner, began her memorable birthday round with an impressive streak on the front nine, securing three consecutive birdies on holes three, four, and five. Her momentum continued with an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole, followed by another birdie on the eighth, turning in a remarkable 30. She added two more birdies on the 10th and 11th holes, reaching 13-under overall before closing her round with a final birdie on the par-5 18th. This 63 marks her best score since the 2025 CME Group Tour Championship, an event where she successfully defended her title.

Thitikul’s Birthday Brilliance at Honda LPGA Thailand

The 23-year-old expressed her satisfaction with her play, noting the strong momentum carried over from the previous day. Thitikul has maintained a flawless record through the first 36 holes of the Honda LPGA Thailand, remaining bogey-free on the notoriously low-scoring Pattaya Old Course. This impressive streak underscores her consistency, reminiscent of her 2024 season when she went 64 holes without a bogey across multiple tournaments.

Thitikul attributed her consistent performance to her deep familiarity with the Siam Country Club course. Having played there extensively, she understands the optimal areas to target and avoid, allowing her to manage risks effectively. “We play here a lot, so we know where to miss, where not to go,” Thitikul stated after her round, emphasizing her strategic approach to the course, which she described as feeling ‘pretty simple to manage’ so far.

Leaderboard Impact and Chasing Somi Lee

Her exceptional play has positioned her as a formidable contender for her eighth career LPGA victory. While Somi Lee currently holds the lead after a Friday 61, Thitikul’s three-shot deficit is considered well within reach given the Pattaya Old Course’s tendency to yield numerous birdies. The upcoming two days of play will be critical as Thitikul aims to close the gap and potentially secure a victory in her home country, a fitting culmination to her birthday week.

The celebratory atmosphere extended beyond her performance on the course. As is customary when her birthday falls during the tournament, Thitikul received a cake from event organizers. Additionally, her team and close friend Pajaree Anannarukarn celebrated with dinner and more cake. A truly unique aspect of her birthday round was the crowd’s enthusiastic participation; spectators sang ‘Happy Birthday’ every time she made a birdie or eagle putt, creating a memorable experience for the superstar. “Obviously, nice to have a lot of birdies today, which I hear a lot of happy birthday, the most time in my life,” Thitikul remarked with a grin.

Home Course Advantage and Fan Support

Thitikul’s ability to perform under pressure, coupled with her intimate knowledge of the course and the fervent support of her home crowd, creates a compelling narrative for the remainder of the Honda LPGA Thailand. Her strong showing has not only elevated her position on the leaderboard but also electrified the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of golf. Her comfort on the Pattaya Old Course appears to translate directly into strategic play, minimizing errors and maximizing scoring opportunities.

Thitikul’s ability to leverage her home course advantage and the emotional boost from local fans on her birthday highlights how psychological factors and familiarity can significantly influence a top player’s performance in high-stakes tournaments.