The 2025 Buick LPGA Shanghai is poised for a dramatic conclusion, with two of the Tour’s top players, Minjee Lee and World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, in pursuit of leader Minami Katsu. The final round at Qizhong Garden Golf Club holds historical significance, as a victory for either Lee or Thitikul would make them the first multiple-time winner of the LPGA season.
This season has been defined by unprecedented parity, with a record-tying 26 different champions across 25 tournaments. While this showcases the depth of talent on the LPGA Tour, it has left the season without a clear Player of the Year frontrunner.
Entering Sunday’s final round in Shanghai, Japan’s Minami Katsu holds a two-shot lead, positioning herself to become the 27th unique winner of the year and claim her first LPGA title. Katsu stormed into contention with a stunning 11-under-par 61 earlier in the tournament and followed it with a solid 68 on Saturday.
“Obviously they’re two of the great players,” Katsu said of playing alongside Thitikul and Lee in the final group. “I’m sure there is a lot of things I can learn from them. At the same time, I will try to focus on my game.”
Hot on her heels are Thitikul, who fired a third-round 66, and Lee, who carded a 65. Both players have already secured victories this season. Thitikul, who won the Mizuho Americas Open in May, has recently recorded back-to-back runner-up finishes. Despite a heartbreaking four-putt on the final hole of last month’s Kroger Queen City Championship, the World No. 1 remains confident.
“What I’m learning is the five wins that I have on the LPGA is the past as well, so I don’t carry it on my shoulder,” Thitikul said. “Every time that I play in contention on Sunday, it’s really exciting.”
Lee, who won her third career major at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, mounted a brilliant charge on Saturday. After starting the third round five strokes off the lead, she recovered from an opening-hole bogey with a spectacular 10-hole stretch that included eight birdies.
The stage is set for a compelling finale amid forecasted temperatures in the mid-90s. The battle pits Katsu, seeking a breakthrough victory that would extend the Tour’s historic streak, against two established stars aiming to end the run of parity and claim a second title in 2025.
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