"He's like 'nope, you have to play'" - Jeeno Thitikul on PGA Tour teammate's message for her after Grant Thornton Invitational

Following a runner-up finish at the Grant Thornton Invitational, Jeeno Thitikul said she was uncertain about returning next year. However, her PGA Tour partner Tom Kim insisted that she must compete again in 2025.

On Sunday, December 15, Jeeno Thitikul and Tom Kim carded an 8-under 64 in the third round of the Grant Thornton Invitational, bringing their total to 26-under. However, the duo fell one stroke short of Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp, who maintained their dominance with a 7-under 65, securing a one-stroke victory over the Asian pair.

During the post-round interview, Thitikul and Kim reflected on their bond and their first-time experience at the mixed-team event held at Tiburon Golf Club. Kim mentioned that walking in the final group with the Thai star brought back fond memories and hoped to return here together in the future.

Thitikul, on the other hand, joked that she was the one who got Kim to talk on the course.

"It's a good vibe," she added. "We know each other for long, long time, but just like we play once and twice. This is like the first time that we had paired together like serious, serious golf.

"We did great and I told him like I might not be here next year, but he's like, 'Nope, you have to be here, you have to play.'"

"Definitely won't play with anyone except for her" - Tom Kim on playing with Jeeno Thitikul at the Grant Thornton Invitational

Tom Kim added that, in the Grant Thornton Invitational, he wouldn’t want to play with anyone else but Jeeno Thitikul.

"It's just growing up in Asia," he continued. "I think really from people who we played with, she and I were the only ones who really took the courage to come to the US and play on the big tours. I think she's really inspiring people from her country to come over here and to play on the LPGA.

"And I feel like my country, not a lot of people are trying to take on the big role and come to the PGA Tour. Like I said, it's so cool and I'd like to win this one with her again hopefully in the future, but definitely won't play with anyone except for her.

The Asian duo earned $560,000 for their runner-up finish, while the winning pair, Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp, took home $1 million.