METEORIC RISE

Yin Ruoning's ascent to the pinnacle of women's golf has been nothing short of torrid. Tim Pinnegar caught up with the Rolex Testimonee when she was in Singapore for the HSBC Women's World Championship in February.

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From a reluctant junior golfer to a major champion and world number one, Yin Ruoning's rise through the ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 22, the Rolex Testimonee has already etched her name in history, proving that talent, dedication, and strong support can lead to greatness.

EARLY BEGINNINGS

Yin's introduction to golf was anything but conventional. Her first swing at the age of four resulted in an unfortunate accident as she hit her father on the head with the club and he ended up needing stitches. She avoided swinging a club again until the age of 10, when a bribe of a movie ticket from her mother led her to join a junior golf camp in her home city of Kunming. That decision ignited a passion that would shape her future.

Guided by her father, an accomplished amateur golfer, Yin progressed rapidly. By 11, she had already shot her first under-par round—though she modestly adds, “It was from the forward tees.” Access to courses, quality practice facilities and unwavering parental support played a key role in her development, an advantage not all young Asian golfers share.

Her amateur career was filled with accolades. Representing China at the 2018 Asian Games, she earned a bronze medal in the team event. The same year, she played in the Women's World Amateur Team Championship, the Espirito Santo Trophy, where China finished a respectable fourth. By 2019, Yin had claimed nine amateur titles, including the prestigious China National Amateur Championship, cementing her reputation as a rising star. Despite these accomplishments, her amateur ranking high of 64th was modest compared to many of her peers turning professional. However, Yin's determination set her apart, and in 2020, at just 17, she took the leap into professional golf.

MAKING AN IMPACT ON TOUR