At age 22, Yani Tseng became the youngest golfer, male or female, to claim five major championships. The Taiwanese professional rose rapidly to the top of the Women's World Golf Rankings, maintaining the number one position for 109 consecutive weeks between 2011 and 2013, a period defined by consistent dominance on the LPGA Tour.
Early Development and Amateur Success
Born in 1989 in the Guishan District of Taiwan, Tseng established herself as a significant talent early in her youth. She secured a victory at the 2002 Callaway Junior World Golf Championships within the girls 13–14 age category. Between 2004 and 2006, she held the top amateur ranking in Taiwan. Her standout performance during this stage was the 2004 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links, where she defeated Michelle Wie in the final. She followed this in 2005 with a win at the North and South Women's Amateur Golf Championship.
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Tseng turned professional in January 2007, competing on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and winning the DLF Women's Indian Open. By the end of 2007, she finished sixth in the LPGA Qualifying Tournament, earning full playing privileges. In 2008, she secured her first major at the LPGA Championship, becoming the first player from Taiwan to achieve such a feat. That same year, the LPGA named her Rookie of the Year.
Global Dominance and Sponsorship Decisions
By March 2009, Tseng became the fastest player to earn $2 million in LPGA career earnings, reaching the milestone in 32 events. Her major title count grew in 2010 with wins at the Kraft Nabisco Championship and the Women's British Open. During this period, she rejected a NT$1 billion sponsorship offer from a Chinese firm because it required a change in citizenship. Her peak performance continued through 2011, during which she successfully defended her Women's British Open title and captured her fifth major.
Performance Shift
Following a strong start to the 2012 season with wins at the Honda LPGA Thailand, the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, and the Kia Classic, Tseng experienced a sharp decline in form. By the end of 2013, she had fallen from the top of the rankings to 34th place. Her standing continued to slip through 2014, and she has not recorded an LPGA tournament victory since March 2012.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Guishan District, Taiwan
- Professional debut: January 2007
- LPGA Rookie of the Year: 2008
- Major championship wins: 5
- Weeks ranked number 1: 109
- Education: National Taiwan Sport University
Questions readers ask
Did Yani Tseng ever play under a flag other than Taiwan's?
No, she rejected a 2010 sponsorship offer that would have required her to change her citizenship from the Republic of China to China.
What is the status of her Hall of Fame eligibility?
As of March 2012, she remained four points away from the 27 points required for World Golf Hall of Fame eligibility via the LPGA points system.
