Naples, Florida – December 6, 2025 – The post-tournament press conference for the CME Group Tour Championship, the LPGA’s season-ending crown jewel, was meant to celebrate Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul’s back-to-back victory and her record-breaking $4 million payday.

Instead, it erupted into one of the most shocking moments in women’s golf history when Thai legend Ariya Jutanugarn launched a deeply personal attack on the 22-year-old world No. 1.

As reporters praised Jeeno’s dominant performance – a flawless final-round 69 to finish at 26-under – Ariya, who finished tied for 33rd at 9-under, interrupted from her seat.

Her face twisted in frustration, she unleashed a tirade that stunned the room: “Maybe her mother doesn’t even care about this country anymore. Speaking English all the time, living in America – she’s forgotten she’s Thai. What a disappointment for her family.”

The air in the Tiburón Golf Club media room turned icy. Cameras captured Jeeno’s eyes widening in shock, her hands gripping the table edge. Dozens of Thai and international journalists exchanged horrified glances, while Ariya’s sister Moriya tried to pull her back.

Ariya didn’t stop. Leaning forward, she added fuel to the fire: “I carried Thailand’s pride around the world. Now this generation just chases checks and forgets their roots. It’s sad – her mother must be ashamed.”

Without a second’s hesitation, Jeeno stood, seized the microphone, and delivered ten words that echoed like thunder: “Let my mother rest in peace, not my family or my country!” The room exploded into applause. Thai reporters leaped to their feet, chanting “Jeeno! Jeeno!” as tears streamed down some faces.

Ariya sat frozen, her bravado crumbling into visible regret.

The moderator frantically signaled for quiet, but the damage was done. Live feeds from Golf Channel and LPGA’s streaming service cut abruptly to commercials. Within minutes, the clip had amassed 12 million views worldwide, with #JeenoMother and #ThaiPride surging to the top global trends.

Fifteen minutes later, Jeeno posted a single photo on Instagram: a childhood snapshot of her embracing her mother, captioned, “Everything I am, I owe to her.

Thailand forever in my heart 🇹🇭❤️.” The post shattered records, hitting 5.2 million likes in under four hours and drawing messages from fans across Asia.

Ariya attempted damage control via a hurried Instagram Story in Thai: “I spoke in anger. I apologize to Jeeno’s family and her mother. I’m still proud of Thai golfers.” But the backlash was swift – over 250,000 comments flooded her profile, many calling for her retirement or sanctions.

The Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association (LPGA) responded at lightning speed. Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan issued a statement: “Ariya Jutanugarn’s comments were unacceptable and have no place in our sport.

She has been fined $50,000 and suspended from the next two events, pending a full review.” The Thai Golf Association echoed the move, barring her from national team duties for six months.

Jeeno, ever composed, declined all further interviews. Through her management, she released a brief note: “My mother taught me silence in the face of control. Today, I only defended her and my homeland. Thank you to everyone standing with me.” Her poise only amplified the public’s fury at Ariya.

Social media ignited a firestorm. #LetMyMotherRestInPeace trended in 47 countries, with Thai netizens changing profile pictures to Jeeno’s image alongside the Thai flag. Celebrities like Lisa from Blackpink reposted the clip with a heart emoji, while global athletes – from Naomi Osaka to Serena Williams – offered solidarity tweets.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra weighed in personally, sharing a photo with Jeeno from a past event: “Jeeno is the pride of 70 million Thais.

No one disrespects her mother or our nation.” The endorsement turned the incident into a national rallying cry, with petitions circulating for Ariya’s permanent ban from Thai events.

Ariya’s sponsors, including her long-time backer Panasonic, announced a review of their partnership. Insiders report she’s holed up at home in Bangkok, canceling all media appearances for the week. Her sister Moriya publicly distanced herself: “Ariya spoke for herself. Jeeno is family to all of us in Thai golf.”

The CME Group Tour Championship, already a milestone for Jeeno with her third win of 2025 and Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average (68.68), now carries an even heavier legacy.

As the second Thai to claim the title after Ariya’s 2017 victory, Jeeno’s defense of it – both on the course and in the press room – cements her as Thailand’s unbreakable star.

Golf analysts are calling this the “most emotional LPGA moment since Annika Sorenstam’s 2003 confrontation.” It highlights generational tensions in women’s golf, where veterans like Ariya (now 30) feel overshadowed by prodigies like Jeeno, who turned pro at 15 and has seven LPGA titles by 22.

As Jeeno boards a flight to Florida for offseason training, one truth resonates: her ten words didn’t just silence a rival – they united a nation. In a sport of precision and poise, Jeeno reminded everyone that the sharpest swing comes from the heart.