Somi Lee of Korea smiles at the end of the first round of the LPGA Tour Championship golf tournament, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Somi Lee surged ahead in the CME Group Tour Championship held at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, with an impressive opening round of 8-under par 64. This performance places her two strokes clear of former U.S. Women’s Open champion Allisen Corpuz as she competes for a share of the tournament’s $4 million prize, the largest in women’s golf.
Lee’s success can be attributed to a recent adjustment in her putting grip, inspired by LPGA star Lydia Ko. The South Korean golfer made this change prior to the championship, a decision that paid off significantly as she recorded only 27 putts during her round. She pulled away from the competition by using a 5-iron on the par-5 17th hole, setting up an eagle, although she did encounter a setback with a three-putt bogey on the final hole.
Thitikul’s Strong Performance and Outlook
Leading the player of the year race is Jeeno Thitikul, the current world No. 1. She finished her round with six birdies, posting a score of 67, which ties her with three other players. Thitikul, who won the Tour Championship last year, is in a favorable position to clinch the player of the year title unless Miyu Yamashita of Japan, who opened with a 70, secures victory in this tournament.
Thitikul expressed a carefree attitude towards the end of the season, stating, “I think because we’re going to finish the season… this is our last tournament of the year and then we just play like carefree.” Despite a sore left wrist from previous rounds, she remains optimistic and focused on her performance.
Among the other notable players, Nelly Korda struggled to find her rhythm, finishing with a round of 71. Korda, who had seven titles last year, missed a critical three-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, further adding to her frustrations.
The CME Group Tour Championship marks the culmination of the LPGA season, featuring the top 60 players from the year. With the Race to CME Globe rankings no longer in play, the focus shifts entirely to the tournament’s outcome. Winning this championship not only guarantees a hefty payout but also serves as a prestigious accolade for the players involved.
Lee, who has performed well throughout the season, expressed her relief in finding a putting grip that works for her. “I just followed Lydia Ko’s putter grip because she’s a good player and I thought, ‘Why not follow a good player’s putter grip?’ It worked really well,” she noted.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement builds for both the players and fans alike, with all eyes on the potential for significant achievements both in terms of individual accolades and financial rewards. The championship remains a highlight in the women’s golfing calendar, showcasing the talent and determination of the players as they vie for the coveted title.
