From World No.1 to Comeback Underdog: A Story of Spirit, Struggles, and Second Chances
In 2011, Taiwanese golf icon Yani Tseng (ćžé 匎) stood atop the world, dominating womenâs golf with five major titles before turning 23. Fast forward to 2025, her name on the U.S. Womenâs Open leaderboardâalbeit tied for 75th after an opening round 3-over-par 75âis not just a golf statistic. Itâs a testament to the resilience of an athlete who has battled physical breakdown, mental demons, and the abyss of public expectation.
The former World No. 1 hasnât made the cut at a major tournament since 2017, and she hasn’t competed in a single LPGA Tour event in 2024. Yet here she is, back on the biggest stage after surviving a five-way playoff in a qualifier. For Tseng, merely being here is a win in itself.
A New Chapter Begins at Erin Hills
The Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin is no walk in the park. Known for its punishing rough, tricky bunkers, and undulating greens, it’s a course that exposes any rust or insecurityâespecially in putting. Yet Tseng managed to shoot 1-over on the front nine, a remarkable achievement for someone who has struggled with the putting yips for years.
“Iâm happy with the way I played, but I struggled with my speed control on the greens. I havenât putted on greens this fast in nine years,” Tseng confessed post-round. In a bid to fight off the yips, Tseng has even resorted to putting left-handed, a rare and bold move at the elite level.
Despite a back-nine stumbleâwhere she made four bogeys and two birdiesâher opening 75 keeps her within striking distance of the cut line. The top 60 and ties advance to the weekend, and after Thursday, 19 players were tied for 59th at +1. Tseng isnât far off.
A Changed Golfer: Physically and Mentally
Tseng’s fall from global dominance wasn’t just a matter of form. In the years since her last LPGA victory in 2012, sheâs undergone two hip surgeries, battled debilitating yips, and fought through periods of doubt so intense she considered retirement.
Yet somehow, sheâs kept her love for the game alive.
“I love this game. I donât know where that passion comes from, but every time I fell down, I feel like I need to get back up,â she said. âMaybe I want to prove it to myself.â
Her humorous take on her strugglesâeven joking about not having undergone âbrain surgeryâ to cure the yipsâdemonstrates a newfound peace and maturity.
Wei-ling Hsu Also Represents Taiwan Strongly
Fellow Taiwanese golfer Wei-ling Hsu (ĺžč桊) posted an even-par 72, placing her in a tie for 25th and well within the cut line. Despite a shaky start, Hsu bounced back impressively.
“The greens are much faster this week than they were even last week,” she said. “But I feel good. Iâm gaining confidence.”
With Tseng rediscovering her love for golf and Hsu carrying the flag steadily, Taiwanese golf may be entering a new, emotionally rich chapter.
Why Yani Tseng’s Story Matters in 2025
What makes this comeback significant is not the number on the scorecard but the narrative of redemption and perseverance. Tseng’s journey echoes a broader theme often missing in sports media today: that success isn’t always about trophiesâitâs about confronting failure and still choosing to try again.
In todayâs high-pressure environment of constant performance metrics, Tseng reminds us that sport is also about joy, healing, and identity. Even if she doesnât make the cut, her mere presence has already won back the hearts of many fansâold and new alike.
â FAQs
Why is Yani Tsengâs 2025 US Womenâs Open appearance so important?
It marks her return to a major tournament after eight years and her first real chance to make a cut since 2017, symbolizing her resilience against mental and physical setbacks.
What are âthe yipsâ and how have they affected Tseng?
The yips refer to a sudden loss of fine motor skills, often affecting putting. Tseng has struggled with them for years and now putts left-handed to manage the condition.
How has Yani Tseng changed her game?
Besides switching her putting hand, sheâs adopted a mindset focused more on joy and less on results, which has helped her return to the sport with renewed energy.
What is the cut line at the US Womenâs Open and did Tseng make it?
The cut line is for the top 60 players and ties. Tseng shot a 75 (+3), putting her just outside the current cut range (+1), but still within reach.
Whatâs next for Yani Tseng if she doesnât make the cut?
Even if she misses the cut, Tseng has shown sheâs mentally and physically ready to return to competitive golf, potentially appearing in more tournaments going forward.
