Chanettee Wannasaen’s second LPGA victory felt miles different from her first, when she became the third Monday-qualifier in tour history to win at last year’s Portland Classic. This time, the 20-year-old came into the final round of the Dana Open with some history as she held the 54-hole lead for the first time in her career.
The Thai player was up by as many as five strokes midway through the Sunday’s round but watched that advantage dwindle to one as last year’s Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year, Haeran Ryu, shot up the board. Xiyu “Janet” Lin was the only top-20 player in the world in Sylvania, Ohio, for the 40th anniversary of the Dana Open. Lin, who is still looking off her first LPGA title, tied for fifth.
“Right now, I feel like I can’t explain anything,” she told Golf Channel’s Amy Rogers when it was over. “I just feel so proud of myself.”
Wannasaen held on to win by one stroke with birdies on the last two holes, draining an 18-footer to clinch the title at 20 under. She becomes the third Thai player to win this season, joining Patty Tavatankit and Atthaya Thitikul. At 20 years, three months, five days, Wannasaen is the youngest player to win this season.
“Last day I cannot like calm down because my heart is like boom, boom, boom, boom,” she said. “Every hole.”
Here are five things to know from Sunday in Sylvania:
Chanettee Wannasaen and Hae Ran Ryu speak during the final round of the Dana Open at Highland Meadows Golf Club on July 21, 2024 in Sylvania, Ohio. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images)
When the final group made its way to the 18th tee, a total of four groups were on the final hole at Highland Meadows. Wannasaen and Ryu took a rest on a nearby bench as players ahead attacked the closing par 5. They waited 24 minutes before teeing off.
Wannasaen’s last tee shot found the bunker, and though she led by one stroke, she still pulled out a fairway metal from 217 yards and opted for the aggressive play. She got away with the questionable approach, avoiding any real danger with her second shot and getting up and down from short left of the green to squeak out the win.
In the aftermath, Wannasaen was already looking ahead.
“Right now, I’m feel like I’m going looking for third trophy,” she said. “Yeah, I think it’s coming.”
It’s worth noting that the tour returns to Portland in two weeks.
Mary Liu of China looks on during the final round of the Dana Open…
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