The 2023 season saw Angel Yin finally claim her first LPGA victory at the Buick LPGA Shanghai, thrilling fans with a hard-fought playoff win over Lilia Vu. But her joy was cut short by an ankle injury, forcing her to step away from professional golf to undergo surgery and a lengthy recovery. Now, after nearly a year off the course, Yin is back—and she’s not holding back.
After her return to 18 holes at Shadow Creek, Yin shot a remarkable 68 in her first round, a clear sign she hasn’t lost her edge. “I’m just happy to play,” she shared, adding that each round offers a new chance to sharpen her game. Though her comeback was slowed by a recurrence of ankle pain at the start of the 2024 season, Yin fought through the setback, managing a top-10 finish at the AIG Women’s Open on the challenging St. Andrews course.
Now, Angel Yin is headed back to China, with her sights set on defending her Buick LPGA Shanghai title. For Yin, this isn’t just any tournament—it’s a homecoming. As a Chinese American, returning to compete in China holds deep personal significance. She recalls growing up hearing about Mission Hills, a flagship golf course in Shenzhen, and now she’s thrilled at the chance to compete on such iconic turf. “It’s such a flagship golf course for China,” Yin shared. “It’ll be exciting to see the property and hopefully get a win there.”
China embraced Yin’s victory last year with banners and billboards celebrating her success. But as she prepares to defend her title, Yin remains grounded, focused on playing for herself, regardless of external expectations. Yin’s mother has been a steady presence throughout her journey, supporting her ambitions, yet Yin is clear: her focus is on her own growth and goals.
With her resilience and newfound confidence, Yin heads to China aiming to bring home another win in front of her home crowd. The question is, will this homecoming be the perfect fuel to help her reclaim the title?
