Like every splendid story, there is always a humble beginning. It aligns perfectly with Ruoning Yin. Yin was introduced to the world of golf rather peculiarly. At the tender age of four, her parents whisked her away to a bustling driving range in Kunming, China. What did Ruoning Yin do there that led to her dad’s injury? What exactly happened?

Yin’s father was trying to teach her mother how to swing and told young Ruoning not to swing herself. However, the curiosity did not leave her. Yin said, “He told me, don’t swing, because I was grabbing a club, and he goes, don’t swing. I did one swing anyway, and I just hit his head and he got I think four stitches. It wasn’t very fun”. This simple yet painful beginning paved the way for a great golf career.

Even though the nasty experience, the accident appeared to fuel her desire to continue engaging in golf. Yin was born in Kunming in 2001. A child with a burning desire and innate ability, she began her career at a very young age. At 16 years old, she showcased her talents on the international level when she played a part in China’s bronze medals at the 2018 Asian Games. That is not it!

By 2020, Yin was already a professional golfer, and she immediately rose to fame by ruling the China LPGA Tour. Her victories were achieved with record-breaking performances, thus preparing her for a future of remarkable achievements. Three years later, in 2023, she had her first major championship title and became the World No. 1 in a record-breaking time.

Ruoning Yin’s path to becoming the World No. 1!

The 2023 Women’s PGA Championship held at the Baltusrol Golf Club was a turning point for Ruoning Yin. Yin was only 20 years old when she faced the challenge of her career. Yin finished the last hole with a birdie on the 18th from about 10 feet to edge out Yuka Saso by one shot. The 20-year-old closed with a 4-under 67 to finish at 8-under 276 and take a place in Chinese sports history next to Shanshan Feng. “I would say she’s definitely the goal that I’m chasing” Yin said.

Yin’s win at Baltusrol was not only a victory for her but also for Chinese golf. Her win aided her in becoming the second Chinese golfer to achieve a major championship, the first being Feng Shanshan. The $1.5 million prize from the tournament, the largest in women’s major history, was not lost in the achievement. Moreover, Yin’s rise to the World No. 1 position.

Yin’s life is a perfect example of a childhood accident, determination, talent, and change for the better. Her story of struggling from the beginning and achieving great things remains a story to tell. What do you think about Yin’s journey from a young golfer to World No.1? Comment below!