Yani Tseng Breaks 10-Year Title Drought at Wistron Ladies Open

Former LPGA world No. 1 Yani Tseng ended a title drought that spanned over a decade with her victory at the 2025 Wistron Ladies Open on Sunday. Tseng, a Taiwanese golf veteran, captured the championship at Sunrise Golf & Country Club in Taoyuan, finishing 14 under par with a total of 130 strokes across two rounds. This win marked her first professional title since 2014, overcoming a field of 107 competitors.

The tournament was co-sanctioned by the Taiwan Ladies Professional Golf Association (TLPGA) and the Ladies European Tour (LET). Due to inclement weather, the event was condensed to a 36-hole format with no cut. Tseng expressed her emotional relief on the 18th green, stating, “I finally got a taste of what a championship is like,” as tears streamed down her face while fellow competitors celebrated her win with water.

This victory is significant for Tseng, who had not won a professional title since the 2014 Taifong Ladies Open. Her journey to reclaiming her status included two hip surgeries, adjustments to her swing, and a coaching change. In a determined effort to regain her form, she even switched her putting hand from right to left in 2024. “I have thought about whether I would stand on the podium again every single day over the past decade,” Tseng reflected, visibly emotional at the award ceremony. “No matter what lows or difficulties you face, you can keep trying and not give up.”

Tseng, now 36, began her professional career in 2007 and made history by winning her first major title at the 2008 McDonald’s LPGA Championship at just 18 years old, becoming the first Taiwanese golfer to achieve this honor. By 2012, she had secured five major LPGA titles and held the No. 1 ranking for a total of 109 weeks. Her dominance in the sport helped bring the LPGA Tour to Taiwan in 2011, where she triumphed in front of over 60,000 spectators.

After failing to win any LPGA Tour events in 2013 and 2014, doubts about her career began to surface. On Sunday, Tseng initially finished the suspended first round with a three-shot lead but was briefly overtaken by Amelia Garvey of New Zealand. Tseng regained her lead by achieving five consecutive birdies from the ninth to the 13th hole, ultimately holding on to finish strong. She earned a prize of $200,000 for her remarkable performance, while Garvey concluded the tournament at 10 under par in second place, followed by Ireland’s Lauren Walsh at 9 under.

“I wasn’t sure the scoreboard was correct until the end because I hadn’t been in this position for so long,” Tseng admitted. “I was somewhat off rhythm and a little nervous at the start. I’m really thankful for everyone’s support in helping me achieve this today.” Although the turnout on Sunday was around 2,000 spectators, Tseng described the title as a “huge step” that significantly boosted her confidence.

“I’ve waited for over 10 years; I believe things will get better,” she said. “The sun also rises tomorrow. Give yourself hope, and good things will come to us once again.” Tseng’s victory not only marks a personal triumph but also signals a promising resurgence in her illustrious career.