The 2023 season was as good as it could get for Angel Yin. She bagged her first victory on the LPGA Tour at the Buick LPGA Shanghai last year, defeating Lilia Vu in a playoff. However, the happiness did not last very long for the Chinese star. She suffered an ankle injury last year, which forced her to take an extended leave from professional golf in order to completely recover from surgery.

She walked eighteen holes for the first time since November 2023 at Shadow Creek. Her comeback surely was not a weak one, as she carded a solid 68 in the first round of the tournament. “I’m just happy to play. No tournament next week, so I can rest all I want. If I can hash it out this week and see where my game is, because every single round I play, I get to improve more,” she added at the post-round presser. Now she will be heading to defend her title at the tournament on her home ground. But the question is, what is her current condition?

Angel Yin’s battle did not end with Shadow Creek last year. As she entered the 2024 season, she suffered from pain in her ankle once again. This forced her to withdraw from the HGV Tournament of Champions. However, things started to work out well for her after the withdrawal. The 25-year-old delivered some amazing performances over the months, including a top-10 finish at the AIG Women’s Open.

Despite the difficult course at St. Andrews, the resilience paid off. And now, with full determination, Yin is headed to defend her title at the 2024 Buick LPGA Shanghai in China. “I’m definitely more confident now compared to a few months ago, especially when I was playing at Centurion Club,” she a friend from her own house said. “I’m excited to play in Shenzhen. I’ve heard so much about Mission Hills since I was a kid – it’s such a flagship golf course for China. With China being so big, it’s impressive to have such a staple in the golfing world. It’ll be exciting to see the property and hopefully get a win there.”

Why is playing in China so special for Angel Yin?

Angel Yin is Chinese American, and thus playing in China is beyond just any competition for her. Her family has strong ties to the country, which is why, back when she won the Buick LPGA Shanghai in 2023, there were posters all across the city with her face. That’s how important the win was. However, it is also her hometown, and she has stated time and again that she plays only for herself—not to make anyone else happy, despite the fact that her mother has been a constant support of all her dreams.

“Going to China is exciting because I am Chinese American, but it’s always nice to go back to where they speak the same language. My Chinese has deteriorated a bit since I’ve been speaking so much English, so hopefully, it improves while I’m there,” she added.

Angel Yin’s resilience shines as she overcomes injury setbacks. With renewed confidence, she prepares to defend her Buick LPGA Shanghai title, eager to perform on her home ground in China.