“I WILL TURN JEENO THITIKUL INTO THE MOST COVETED AND SOUGHT-AFTER QUEEN OF GOLF FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS,” declared billionaire Alexis Ohanian – co-founder of Reddit and the richest sports investor – as he officially poured hundreds of millions of dollars into a new women’s golf league co-founded by Jeeno Thitikul.

The talented Thai golfer, now backed by this massive investment, has sent shockwaves through the sports industry and stunned fans worldwide. While everyone was eagerly anticipating this new era, an emotional “incident” involving Jeeno suddenly brought the atmosphere to a complete standstill. Ohanian was left speechless…

In a stunning announcement that has rocked the world of professional golf, Reddit co-founder and venture capitalist Alexis Ohanian revealed his bold vision to elevate Thai sensation Jeeno Thitikul to unprecedented heights.

Known for her graceful swing and unflappable composure, the 22-year-old from Ratchaburi has already cemented her status as one of the brightest stars on the LPGA Tour. But Ohanian’s ambitious declaration signals a game-changing shift for women’s golf, promising to transform it into a more lucrative, visible, and fan-engaging spectacle.

Jeeno Thitikul, whose full name is Atthaya Thitikul but who now professionally goes by her nickname “Jeeno” for its memorability and uniqueness, has been a prodigy since childhood.

Introduced to golf at age six by her father, who gave her the choice between tennis and golf, she quickly fell in love with the sport after watching videos online.

By 14, she became the youngest winner of a professional tournament on the Ladies European Tour, claiming the Thailand Championship as an amateur. Her rise was meteoric: multiple wins on the Thai LPGA, topping amateur rankings, and turning pro in 2020 with immediate success.

On the LPGA Tour, Jeeno wasted no time making her mark. In 2022, her rookie season, she secured two victories, including the JTBC Classic, and finished as Rolex Rookie of the Year. She reached World No.

1 for the first time that year, becoming one of the youngest ever to do so. Her consistency is legendary – low scoring averages, clutch performances, and a Vare Trophy in 2023 for the lowest adjusted scoring average.

In recent years, she has added more titles, defended the prestigious CME Group Tour Championship with its massive $4 million prize, and set records for single-season earnings.

But what sets Jeeno apart is not just her skill but her personality. Humble, fun-loving, and deeply grateful, she often speaks about enjoying the journey rather than chasing expectations. Her advice to young golfers: chart your own path, don’t try to copy others.

Fans adore her infectious smile and celebrations with friends on tour, like fellow star Ruoning Yin. Off the course, Jeeno represents a new generation of women’s golfers – diverse, relatable, and poised to attract broader audiences.

Enter Alexis Ohanian, the tech mogul turned sports visionary. Married to tennis legend Serena Williams, Ohanian has become a powerhouse investor in women’s sports. He’s the founding owner of Angel City FC in the NWSL, which has shattered valuation records and boosted the league’s profile.

He founded Athlos, the groundbreaking all-women’s track and field series that offers record prize money and blends sport with entertainment.

And he’s a key investor in TGL, the tech-infused team golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, owning the Los Angeles Golf Club alongside Serena, Venus Williams, and stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Ohanian’s track record speaks volumes: he sees untapped potential in women’s sports, where fan engagement often outpaces men’s despite lower historical investment. “Women athletes overperform with storytelling,” he’s said, pointing to social media metrics and cultural impact.

His investments have proven prescient – women’s sports revenues are booming, with projections exceeding billions globally. Now, he’s turning his gaze to golf, a sport ripe for innovation.

The announcement came during a glittering press conference in Bangkok, attended by LPGA officials, sponsors, and golf luminaries. Ohanian, flanked by Jeeno, unveiled plans for a revolutionary new women’s golf league.

Co-founded by Jeeno herself, the league promises hundreds of millions in funding – a figure that dwarfs typical LPGA purses outside majors. The goal: create a premium, athlete-centered circuit with bigger prizes, better broadcast deals, innovative formats, and global reach to rival the men’s PGA Tour in appeal.

This isn’t just about money. Ohanian envisions blending technology, entertainment, and community – think mic’d-up players sharing banter like in TGL, fan-interactive elements, and events in iconic locations. Jeeno, as co-founder, brings authenticity and star power. Her involvement ensures the league prioritizes player welfare, from scheduling to revenue sharing.

“Jeeno is the perfect partner,” Ohanian said. “Her talent, humility, and vision align with building something sustainable and exciting for the next generation.”

The sports world reacted instantly. Social media exploded with excitement – #JeenoQueen and #NewGolfEra trending worldwide. LPGA veterans praised the injection of capital, while analysts predicted it could accelerate growth in women’s golf, already surging thanks to stars like Nelly Korda and events like the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Jeeno Thitikul, visibly moved, shared her thoughts. “This is a dream. Golf gave me everything – opportunity, travel, friends. Now, with Alexis’s support, we can give more to young girls in Thailand and everywhere. I want to inspire them to pick up a club, just like I did.”

But the highlight – or rather, the heart-stopping moment – came unexpectedly. As Ohanian finished his declaration, Jeeno stepped forward to speak.

Tears welled in her eyes as she recounted her journey: from practicing on a driving range without a full course nearby, to supporting her family, to facing pressures as a young pro. She thanked her parents, coaches, and fans, but then turned to Ohanian.

In a raw, emotional outburst, Jeeno revealed how close she came to quitting during a tough stretch early in her career, doubting if women’s golf would ever reward her efforts fairly. “I almost walked away,” she admitted, voice cracking. “But moments like this… this investment, this belief in me…

it changes everything.” She broke down, hugging Ohanian, who stood frozen, eyes glistening, clearly overwhelmed.

The room fell silent. Cameras captured the raw humanity – a young athlete’s vulnerability amid triumph. Ohanian, usually quick with words, was speechless, later tweeting: “That moment reminded me why we do this. For the athletes, for the impact.”

This “incident” humanized the mega-deal, shifting focus from dollars to dreams. Critics who questioned the hype now saw the deeper purpose: equity, opportunity, elevation.

As the league gears up for its inaugural season, expectations soar. Will it feature team elements like TGL? International stops to grow the game in Asia? Bigger majors-style purses? Details are emerging, but one thing is clear: Jeeno Thitikul is at the center.

At 22, she’s already a multiple winner, former World No. 1, and record-breaker. With Ohanian’s backing, the next four years could see her dominate – more majors (she’s yet to win one), endorsements, and global fame.

But more importantly, the league could inspire a surge in participation, especially among women and girls in emerging markets like Thailand.

Sponsors are lining up, broadcasters interested. Women’s golf, long overshadowed, stands on the cusp of its golden era. Jeeno Thitikul, the quiet prodigy turned queen, partnered with a visionary investor, is leading the charge.

The atmosphere that day in Bangkok wasn’t just standstill from emotion – it was the calm before a storm of change. Golf fans worldwide are buzzing. The queen is rising, and the game will never be the same.