There’s nothing quite like chasing your first big win and coming this close only to have it slip right through your fingers. At the Mexico Riviera Maya Open, a young American rookie quietly grabbed the spotlight, outplaying some of the tour’s top players, including the world No. 15 ranked Charley Hull. Meet Jenny Bae, a rising star player of the LPGA tour. With steady rounds of 69, 69, and 71, she was sitting pretty at 6-under heading into the final day. But despite her solid game, a tough 73 in the last round left her just short of the trophy, falling behind Japan’s Chisato Iwai. Still, Bae walked away with her head held high.
Even after a painful defeat, she posted on Instagram a 4-word message, “ A dream come true.” She is hopeful even if she could not win; she was a runner-up, so that gives her confidence. The complete post was, “Unbelievable week at Carmen De Playa A dream come true, fell short, but looking forward to the future. Thank you to my friends and family… Special thanks to my team at Country Club of the South; I couldn’t have done it without your support.” Her thanks to family, friends, and her team at Country Club of the South show the strong support system behind her. Even if she could not win, she takes this up as a challenge; instead of drawing into disappointment, she takes it as no less than an achievement.
“ I have a long way to go but also I’m also getting there, too. So I’m happy. I definitely know what I need to work on for the week off for me.” she said at the press conference in Mayakoba, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The win may have slipped away, but the week proved she belongs in the mix. Rather than dwelling on the loss, she’s using it as fuel — fresh motivation and a clear sense of what needs sharpening in her game. More importantly, this tournament gave her something deeper: confidence and self-belief.
“But I think my game is there. I definitely have a lot of confidence in my game, so I’m excited.” It’s the kind of mindset that doesn’t just recover from close calls; it grows stronger for what’s next.
What’s next for Bae?
Jenny Bae didn’t just walk away from Mayakoba with a runner-up finish—she walked away with proof that she belongs. Sunday had a lot riding on it, including a potential spot at the U.S. Women’s Open, but even without that ticket, Bae’s week was far from a loss. Her performance in Mexico is already paying off, as she’s projected to jump from 80th to 33rd in the Race to the CME Globe standings. That’s a big leap—especially in your rookie year.
Though she won’t be teeing it up at Erin Hills next week, her focus is set on what’s next. She’ll be back in action at the ShopRite LPGA Classic (June 7–9) and the Meijer LPGA Classic (June 13–16)—two big chances to keep the momentum going. Right now, it’s about refining, resetting, and keeping that fire lit. If she keeps trending like this, Jenny Bae might just turn that “almost” into a win very soon.
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