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The Ten Players Defining the Tour Right Now
The Asian swing has given us clarity — and chaos. Jeeno Thitikul’s Shanghai heroics may have stolen the week, but the broader picture says this Tour has rarely been this balanced.
Here’s who’s truly setting the pace, combining form, stats, and momentum.
1. Jeeno (Atthaya) Thitikul
Last 10 starts: 2 wins (Shanghai & Singapore), 8 Top-10s
Key stats: Top-5 Scoring Avg (68.8), Top-10 in GIR & Putting
The world No. 1 keeps proving why. The five-hole playoff in Shanghai was composure personified — 63 under pressure, an eagle at 17, and nerves of titanium. She’s leading the LPGA in consistency and calm.
2. Minami Katsu
Last 10 starts: 5 Top-10s (including 2 runner-ups)
Key stats: 2nd in Birdie Average since August
Her 61 in Shanghai shattered records. She’s currently the LPGA’s purest ball-striker not named Jeeno. The only thing missing is a closing trophy — and that feels imminent.
3. Nelly Korda
Last 10 starts: 1 Win (Ana Inspiration), 6 Top-10s, T2 at U.S. Women’s Open
Key stats: Top-3 in Driving Accuracy (72%), Top-5 in Scoring Avg (68.9), 4th in Money List
Her early-season lull is long gone. The past few months show the Korda rhythm returning — tighter driver dispersion, better lag putting, and flashes of dominance. If she catches a heater in Asia, she could reclaim No. 1 soon.
4. Minjee Lee
Last 10 starts: 7 Top-15s including 3 Top-5s
Key stats: Top-10 in Putting Average & Total Strokes Gained
She’s golf’s metronome — consistent, precise, and always inside the money. That –19 finish in Shanghai was her season in miniature: efficient, controlled, quietly brilliant.
5. Miyu Yamashita
Last 10 starts: 2 Top-5s and a Top-10 in Majors
Key stats: Top-15 in GIR (75%) and Par 4 Scoring
Her blend of accuracy and short-game touch is translating from JLPGA to LPGA without friction. She’s trending up as quickly as any player not named Jeeno.
6. Lilia Vu
Last 10 starts: 4 Top-10s after a mid-year dip
Key stats: Top-10 in Eagles and Scoring Avg. (~69.1)
After struggling through injury recovery early in 2025, Vu looks herself again. The ball-speed’s back, the putter’s warm, and the confidence is unmistakable.
7. Ruoning Yin
Last 10 starts: 1 Top-5, 6 Top-25s
Key stats: Top-15 in Driving Distance (274 yds) and Putting Avg.
Defending Shanghai champ didn’t repeat but showed glimpses. When her irons and putter sync, few are better in Asia.
8. Somi Lee
Last 10 starts: Steady Top-20 finishes on Asian swing
Key stats: Top-20 in Fairways Hit and GIR
She’s sneaky-consistent — the kind of player who never beats herself. A breakthrough feels near if the putter cooperates.
9. Jenny Bae (ROTY Candidate)
Last 10 starts: 3 Top-10s including T4 in Shanghai
Key stats: Top-10 in Rookie Scoring and Par 5 Performance
Bae’s confidence and shot-making belong on this list. She looks like a top-15 player already, with room to soar.
10. A Lim Kim
Last 10 starts: 2 Top-10s and no missed cuts in last six
Key stats: Top-20 in Approach Accuracy and Putting Avg.
Her form is quietly building. Playing home soil next week in Korea, she could jump several spots quickly.
Just Outside the Top 10
- Wei-Ling Hsu – Two aces in Shanghai week, steady top-30 form.
- Miyu Sato – Climbing Japan and Asia leaderboards with elite short game.
- Brooke Henderson – Still world-class, but recent results mixed.
- Angel Yin – If the driver clicks, she can jump 5 spots overnight.
Big Takeaways
- The Jeeno–Katsu–Korda triangle is the LPGA’s current power center.
- Asia’s dominance is real — five of the top seven are from Asian nations.
- The rookie class (Bae et al.) isn’t waiting their turn.
- Veterans like Vu and Lee are balancing the era — they show the depth of modern women’s golf.
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