Yani Tseng Ends Decade-Long Title Drought at Wistron Ladies Open

Former LPGA world No. 1 Yani Tseng has achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2025 Wistron Ladies Open, marking her first title in over a decade. The tournament concluded on Sunday at the Sunrise Golf & Country Club in Taoyuan, where Tseng finished at 14 under par, accumulating a total of 130 strokes over two rounds. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it comes after a challenging period for the Taiwanese golfer, who edged out 107 competitors to claim her first professional championship since 2014.

The Wistron Ladies Open was co-sanctioned by the Taiwan Ladies Professional Golf Association (TLPGA) and the Ladies European Tour (LET). Due to adverse weather conditions, the tournament was modified to a 36-hole format without a cut, allowing all participants to compete for the title. Tseng, who had previously faced multiple challenges including two hip surgeries and changes in her swing technique, expressed immense joy and relief after her win.

“I finally got a taste of what a championship is like,” Tseng remarked at the 18th green, visibly emotional as she was celebrated by fellow competitors. The victory at home has special significance for Tseng, as it ended a title drought that began with her last win at the 2014 Taifong Ladies Open in Taiwan. Throughout her career, Tseng has been a trailblazer, becoming the first Taiwanese golfer to secure an LPGA major title when she won the McDonald’s LPGA Championship in 2008 at just 18 years old.

At the award ceremony, Tseng reflected on her journey, stating, “I have thought about whether I would stand on the podium again every single day over the past decade.” She encouraged others to persevere through challenges, saying, “No matter what lows or difficulties you face, you can keep trying and not give up, just as I did. All bad things will pass.”

Throughout her career, Tseng has secured a total of 15 LPGA Tour victories and spent an impressive 109 weeks as the world’s top-ranked player. Her dominance in the sport helped bring the LPGA Tour to Taiwan for the first time in 2011, where she captivated over 60,000 spectators. However, the years 2013 and 2014 were particularly difficult for her, as she did not secure any titles during that period, leading to doubts about her future in professional golf.

In the recent tournament, after finishing the suspended first round with a three-shot lead, Tseng briefly lost her position to Amelia Garvey of New Zealand. Yet, she regained her lead by executing five consecutive birdies from the ninth to the 13th hole, ultimately finishing strong. Garvey completed the tournament at 10 under par, while Lauren Walsh from Ireland secured third place at 9 under.

Despite a modest turnout of around 2,000 spectators, Tseng described her 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, adding, “The sun also rises tomorrow. Give yourself hope, and good things will come to us once again.”

The victory at the Wistron Ladies Open not only signifies a personal achievement for Tseng but also revitalizes her standing within the sport as she continues to inspire aspiring golfers globally. With a prize of US$200,000 accompanying her victory, Tseng is poised to continue her journey in professional golf with renewed vigor.