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The basics:

• Jeeno Thitikul wins Mizuho Americas Open in West Caldwell
• Aphrodite Deng captures AJGA title for second straight year
• LPGA event debuted at Mountain Ridge Country Club in 2026
• Mizuho Americas supports tournament through 2030

The Mizuho Americas Open made its debut in West Caldwell this week. World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul successfully defended her title at Mountain Ridge Country Club against one of the LPGA Tour‘s deepest fields. Meanwhile, Short Hills native Aphrodite Deng captured the tournament’s AJGA competition for the second consecutive year.

The May 4–10 event moved to Mountain Ridge this year, after holding its first three editions at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City. The tournament featured one of the LPGA’s strongest fields alongside a unique partnership with the American Junior Golf Association, which pairs 24 elite junior girls golfers with LPGA professionals throughout the week.

Backed by Mizuho Americas through 2030, the event carried a $3.25 million purse. The total stands among the largest outside the major championships.

Thitikul closed at 13-under-par for her ninth career LPGA victory and second win of the 2026 season. It marks a quick rebound after missing the cut at the Chevron Championship. “The good thing about golf is you have a lot of opportunities in the whole year,” said Thitikul. “No matter what the past is, the future is always waiting for you.”

Hometown pride

One of the country’s top-ranked junior golfers, Deng said winning again in her home state carries extra significance. “It feels really good, and to be able to win in my hometown with all the fans watching, it’s really special,” said Deng.

Tournament organizers also recognized junior golfers Myla Kumar and Christine Park with the event’s “A Name Worth Knowing Award.” The prize includes Liberty National ACE Grant funding to support the athletes’ development in the sport.

Tournament host Michelle Wie West said the mentorship aspect between LPGA players and junior golfers remains central to the event’s identity. She said the feature differentiates it from other tour stops. “The why of this tournament is really the mentorship part of it,” said Wie West. “It allows these 24 top girls, our next generation, to play in an LPGA event and live the life of a pro.”

Wie West also pointed to the broader player experience and corporate backing behind the tournament. Those features included transportation support, hospitality upgrades and expanded programming aimed at elevating women’s sports. “Year after year we get such a good field,” said Wie West. “That just means everything to me.”

The event’s combination of elite LPGA competition, junior development and corporate investment has helped position the Mizuho Americas Open as one of the LPGA Tour’s signature stops during its continued run in New Jersey.

Next year, the tournament will again take place at Mountain Ridge Country Club, before returning to Liberty National in 2028.