Jeeno Thitikul is already a superstar on the LPGA at the age of 22. The Thai player became the youngest to win a professional event back when she was 14, and the trajectory has only gone up from there.
Now, she has a chance to win another title at the 2025 CPKC Women's Open.
Of course, American golf fans will draw their eyes to her last name. Since Thitikul is from Thailand, American fans are curious how to say her last name correctly.
The pronunciation can throw off even English speakers pretty easily. However, the pronunciation of her last name isn't that difficult. Phonetically speaking, here's how to pronounce Jeeno Thitikul: Jean-noh Tit-eh-coon. The first name is actually pretty much pronounced how it sounds, but the last name is tougher for folks.
Earlier in her career, Thitikul didn't go by Jeeno, which has been her long-standing nickname. She went professionally by Atthaya. So, why the change?
"I think it's unique and easier than Atthaya," said Thitikul, back in August 2024.
Her mother originally gave her the nickname "Jeen," which roughly translates to "Chinese people" in Thai.
"Jeen is, like, my mom give it to me because she is 100 percent Thai, but my dad is Chinese for a little bit. She's, like, oh, I give it for, like, your father is going to like it."
Eventually, her coach added the "o" to make Jeeno.
No matter the first name, Thitikul is an increasingly familiar name for golf fans as she has become a top player in the world.
Get used to the name, she is going to be great for years to come, as she's going to become a staple at majors.
