In a field brimming with rising stars, Lydia Ko decided to bring the world’s attention to the 22-year-old phenom, Jeeno Thitikul. Her presence on tour has compelled veterans and fans alike to reassess what dominance entails at such a young age. And when recognition arrives not from trophies alone but from the words of one of golf’s most decorated figures, it signals a moment bigger than victory. And that moment has now arrived with a precious shoutout from someone whom she called a ‘role model.’

On Time 100 Next, Ko made sure to back Thitikul with her words. She wrote, “Most professional golfers are really good at one thing. For some, it’s their long game or iron shot, for others, it’s putting or chipping. But for Jeeno Thitikul, it’s everything.” Ko pointed out that Thitikul was actually good at all parts of the game, claiming that the Thai golfer was consistent even on her off days. But wait… It’s just the beginning of Ko’s tribute to her inspiration. 

The Kiwi golfer also highlighted that Thitikul has a commendable mental game as well. After all, she enters the course with a calm, cool, and collected demeanor and has already won the CME Group Tour Championship. Ko continued, “Since we’ve both been on tour with the LPGA, I’ve gotten to know Jeeno better, and I see how hard she works. It feels like only a matter of time until she wins a major title. As a teen phenom turned top-ranked golfer, Jeeno is incredibly impressive all around.” Ko confessed that ‘Jeeno’ motivates her to become a better player. And of course, she felt lucky to be able to play alongside someone like Thitikul. 

These words, coming from an Olympic gold medalist and a golfer who’s around six years older than Thitikul, say a lot about the kind of strength the Thai golfer possesses. Well, she’s already a five-time LPGA winner. She won the 2023 Vare Trophy for the tour’s lowest scoring average, the 2022 LPGA Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year, and the 2021 LET Player of the Year, as well as the Rookie of the Year award. Thitikul earned her largest paycheck of $4M at the CME Group Tour Championship in 2024. 

Being just 22 years old, the Thai sensation has a lot of years to rise and dominate. And reaching that No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings for the second time in her career in early August after tying for 30th at the AIG Women’s Open? That’s something, especially if you consider how she passed Nelly Korda, who had held the top spot since March 25, 2024. But did you know that her motivation comes from Lydia Ko? Let’s hear it directly from Thitikul. 

Jeeno Thitikul holds Lydia Ko on a higher pedestal

Back in 2024, Lydia Ko capped off a dominant week with a dazzling nine-under 63 at TPC River’s Bend, finishing at 23-under 265. The victory marked her third LPGA Tour title of the season and the 22nd of her career, a reminder of her enduring class. And her performance on the course left Thitikul awestruck. It was nothing short of a fan moment for the Thai star. 

Jeeno Thitikul stated, “I respect her like my older sister, as a legend and also as my role model. It was a really good experience watching her on the same tee box, on the same greens. Lydia’s putter was on fire. She makes it everywhere that she has a chance.” But now, the story is a bit different. Thitikul has finally surpassed her ‘older sister’ and ‘role model.’ She defeated Ko to win that $4M at the CME Group Tour Championship. 

But now, receiving a shoutout from her role model to get featured in the list of The World’s Most Influential Rising Stars by Time100 has assured the world that things are moving for the better for Jeeno Thitikul. But can she stand up to our expectations in the upcoming tournaments? While you discuss that, do let us know what you think of Ko’s tribute to Thitikul in the comments down below.