In a thrilling finale to the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship held at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas, Chanettee Wannasaen, affectionately known as "Pro Praw," surged impressively to clinch a tied second place. The third major golf tournament of the year, which concluded on the morning of June 23, boasted a hefty total prize purse of 12 million US dollars, approximately 442 million Thai Baht, attracting top talent from around the globe.
Pro Praw's final round was nothing short of spectacular. She carded an impressive 4-under par 68, marked by four birdies, an eagle, and just two bogeys. This stellar performance propelled her from a tied 10th position into a shared runner-up spot with a total score of 1-under par 287. Her remarkable surge earned her a prize of 944,867 US dollars, translating to about 31.18 million Thai Baht, a significant payday reflecting her outstanding play.
Meanwhile, Atthaya Thitikul, known as "Pro Jin" and currently ranked world number two, faced a tougher final round. After leading the tournament through the first two rounds, Atthaya stumbled with a 3-over par 75 in the final round, culminating in a total score of 1-over par 289. Despite this setback, she secured a tied fourth place finish and took home 614,613 US dollars, approximately 20.28 million Thai Baht. Her performance underscored the intense pressure and unpredictable nature of major championship golf.
The championship itself was claimed by Australian star Minjee Lee, who led after the third round. Although she played a solid but slightly over-par 74 in the final round, her cumulative score of 4-under par 284 was enough to secure the title. Lee's victory brought her a winner's purse of 1.8 million US dollars, roughly 59.4 million Thai Baht, cementing her status as one of the sport's elite competitors.
Other notable Thai competitors included Aphichaya Yubol, nicknamed "Pro Piano," who finished tied 45th with an 11-over par total of 299. The Jutanugarn sisters, Ariya and Moriya, also had challenging tournaments; Ariya, known as "Pro May," tied for 52nd with 13-over par 301 alongside Paphangkorn Tavatanakit, "Pro Miew," while Moriya ended tied 69th at 17-over par 305. Thidapa Suwannapura, "Pro Jasmine," finished tied 71st with an 18-over par 306. These results highlight the depth of Thai talent competing on the world stage, even as they face stiff competition from international stars.
The KPMG Women's PGA Championship, played on a par 72 course, is renowned for its challenging layout and high stakes. The Fields Ranch East course in Frisco, Texas, tested players with its demanding fairways and greens, making the final round drama all the more compelling. With a total prize fund of $12 million, the event not only offers significant financial incentives but also crucial ranking points and prestige, further intensifying the competition.
Chanettee Wannasaen's dramatic rise in the final round was a testament to her resilience and skill under pressure. Her ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, particularly her eagle and multiple birdies, showcased her aggressive yet controlled approach. This performance marks one of her best showings in a major championship, signaling her potential to be a consistent contender on the global stage.
Atthaya Thitikul's experience reflects the fine margins in elite golf. Leading early on, she demonstrated exceptional talent and composure but ultimately could not maintain her momentum in the closing stages. Her tied fourth finish, however, remains an impressive achievement, underscoring her status as one of the top players worldwide. As the world number two, expectations are high, and this tournament adds valuable experience that will likely fuel her future successes.
Minjee Lee's triumph adds another chapter to her distinguished career. Known for her steady play and competitive grit, Lee managed to hold off a charging field despite a less-than-perfect final round. Her four-day total of 4-under par 284 was sufficient to claim the championship, highlighting her consistency and mental toughness. This victory not only brings substantial financial rewards but also boosts her standing in the global rankings and confidence for upcoming tournaments.
The performances of Thai golfers beyond the leaders also deserve recognition. Aphichaya Yubol's mid-field finish and the Jutanugarn sisters' efforts illustrate the growing presence of Thai talent in women's golf. Their participation and results at such a prestigious event contribute to the sport's development in Thailand and inspire the next generation of players.
The tournament's conclusion in Texas has set the stage for the remainder of the 2025 golf season, with players and fans eagerly anticipating upcoming events. The mix of emerging stars and established champions ensures a dynamic and exciting competitive landscape. Chanettee Wannasaen's breakthrough performance and Minjee Lee's championship victory will certainly be among the highlights remembered from this major.
As the dust settles on the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, attention now turns to how these results will influence player confidence and rankings. With Chanettee Wannasaen's stunning final round surge and Minjee Lee's steady championship run, the women's golf scene is buzzing with anticipation for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Atthaya Thitikul's experience serves as a reminder of the sport's unpredictability and the relentless pursuit of excellence required at the highest level.
Overall, the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship delivered drama, skill, and memorable moments, spotlighting the global talent pool and the rising stars from Thailand. The tournament's substantial prize money and competitive field underscore its importance in the women's golf calendar, promising more thrilling action as the season unfolds.