Jeeno Thitikul Headlines $3.2 Million Buick LPGA Shanghai At Sheshan

Jeeno Thitikul is heading back to the Buick LPGA Shanghai with another championship in her sights, but defending her title won't be easy against a loaded international field competing for $3.2 million.

The sixth edition of the tournament begins Thursday, October 15, with a significant change. Sheshan Golf Club takes over as host, bringing one of China's most recognizable championship venues into the LPGA Tour spotlight.

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Sheshan previously hosted 14 editions of the WGC-HSBC Champions, welcoming some of the biggest names in men's professional golf.

Now it's the women's turn.

Thitikul, ranked No. 2 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, arrives following a remarkable 2026 season that includes four LPGA Tour victories.

Her most recent triumph came at the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii earlier this month, adding another trophy to an increasingly impressive resume.

Last year's Shanghai victory was considerably more dramatic.

Thitikul erased a four-shot deficit over the final five holes before defeating Japan's Minami Katsu in a five-hole playoff. She finished at 24-under 264, claiming one of the season's most memorable victories.

But several familiar challengers are returning.

China's Ruoning Yin, ranked sixth in the world, won this tournament in 2024 and will have considerable hometown support. Angel Yin, the 2023 champion, also returns, while Danielle Kang brings an especially impressive history at the event.

Kang captured consecutive Shanghai titles in 2018 and 2019 and enters this year's competition on a sponsor exemption.

The six-time LPGA Tour winner is joined by Sweden's Linn Grant, another sponsor selection with championship credentials.

Grant, a two-time LPGA winner, has recorded two top-ten finishes in 19 starts this season. She'll be making her Buick LPGA Shanghai debut.

Two young Chinese amateurs also received invitations.

Ziyan Meng, ranked No. 186 in the world amateur standings, makes her second LPGA appearance, while Ningyao Xu, ranked No. 265, prepares for her tour debut.

The 81-player, no-cut field features 11 golfers ranked among the world's top 25, including Miyu Yamashita, Sei Young Kim, Minjee Lee and Lauren Coughlin.

For Thitikul, the opportunity is clear: another championship would strengthen an already outstanding season and reinforce her position among golf's elite.

But with former champions, major winners and emerging international talent chasing the same trophy, nobody's handing her anything.

And the new venue adds another unpredictable element.

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The LPGA's Asian swing is underway, $3.2 million is on the line, and one of women's golf's hottest players is trying to stay on top.

Shanghai should deliver plenty of drama.