Yin Ruoning, a 20-year-old Chinese professional golfer, made history as China’s second major champion after winning the 2023 Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey.
The win: Yin reportedly accomplished a flawless final round with four birdies, capping a bogey-free four-under 67 for the round and eight-under overall at the tournament on Sunday.
Yin, who finished one stroke ahead of Japan’s Yuka Saso, became only the second Chinese woman to ever win a golf major after Shanshan Feng, who won the Women’s PGA Championship in 2012.
“I was on the 18th tee and I saw the leaderboard, and I know I have a one-shot lead,” Yin said. “After the tee shot, I saw Yuka make an incredible birdie here, and I know I have to make birdie at this hole to win the championship. I’m glad I did it.”
Yin’s inspiration: Yin, who initially wanted to play basketball, was inspired by Feng. At the time Feng made golf history, Yin was only 9 years old.
“I would say she’s definitely the goal that I’m chasing,” Yin told reporters. “She is the person who inspired me the most.”
Yin’s journey: The 20-year-old champion turned professional in 2020 after reportedly rising to 64th in the world amateur golf rankings.
In April, Yin won her maiden LPGA Tour title at the DIO Implant LA Open.
