- Thai superstar unfazed by pressure of being top of the rankings as 19 of the world’s top 20 bid for victory in the $4m co-sanctioned LPGA-LET event at Shadow Creek
- PIF Global Series makes its debut in the US west from April 2–5 at the MGM Resorts-owned resort, minutes from the world famous Las Vegas Strip
Hard work, dedication and bountiful natural talent propelled Jeeno Thitikul to the summit of the women’s world golf rankings, and the Thai superstar is looking forward to the pressure which comes with that honour at the Aramco Championship in Las Vegas from April 2-5.
Buoyed by victory in front of her home fans at February’s Honda LPGA Thailand event just days after her 23rd birthday, Thitikul heads to Las Vegas as the world No. 1 and the strongest PIF Global Series field ever assembled will also be vying for the title in the $4m Golf Saudi-organized event co-sanctioned by the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour (LET).
The field looking to capture the title in Nevada could not be more competitive, with world No. 2 Nelly Korda, England’s No. 3 Charley Hull – winner of the PIF Global Series opener in Riyadh last month – and Australia’s No. 4 and multiple Major winner Minjee Lee all lining up.
Throw in Australia’s Hannah Green, on a stunning three-tournament winning streak with victories in the HSBC World Championship in Singapore followed by the Australian Women’s Open and the Australian WPGA Championship on the LET, New Zealand’s Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko and rising British star Lottie Woad, and the fans in Las Vegas have a mouthwatering contest to look forward to.
Reflecting on the success which has elevated her to the top of the pile, five-time LET winner Thitikul said she was excited about pitting herself against the world’s best on the Tom Fazio-designed course in the Nevada desert.
“It’s obviously a thrill to have worked my way to the top of the rankings and I am delighted that my hard work has paid off. It brings with it some additional pressure, but it’s the kind of pressure everyone out there is trying to strive for. It’s an incredible field in Las Vegas and a real test for all of us so I am looking forward to the challenge,” Thitikul said.
She comes into the event in strong form and in upbeat mood after her one-shot victory in front of her home fans and family at the Siam Country Club last month.
“Winning in Thailand was the perfect way to start the year, it was an unforgettable moment for me and my family. I’m feeling confident and I always enjoy playing in the United States so I’m looking forward to a competitive week at what is a challenging and interesting course,” she continued.
The Aramco Championship in Las Vegas is the second stop on the PIF Global Series after the opener – the PIF Saudi Ladies International – kicked off the LET season in Riyadh last month. Further stops are scheduled in other iconic venues in 2026 – London, Seoul and Shenzhen.
Thitikul acknowledged the significance of such a high-quality field and prize fund on offer at the tournament organized by Golf Saudi, which has been at the forefront of growing the women’s game and placing it at the heart of the global sporting calendar.
She added: “It’s obviously one of the standout events outside of the Majors and great that we are playing such cool events in iconic venues like Shadow Creek. Anything which helps draw more attention to women’s golf is to be welcomed, and I am sure the fans are in for a real spectacle.”
Tickets for the Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek are available here.
For more about the PIF Global Series please click here.
