Amy Yang has finally captured her first major title, winning the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with a dominant performance at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington.
With numerous almost wins, Amy Yang finally prevailed by achieving a three-shot triumph with an even-par 72 in the ultimate round. Deluded in champagne on the 18th green by her colleagues, Yang pondered upon her well-deserved victory: “At some point, I questioned whether I would ever become victorious in a major championship before concluding my career. Nevertheless accomplished it and this is just incredible”.
Throughout her journey, Yang has narrowly avoided defeat on multiple occasions. At 34 years old, she now holds the title of oldest major winner on the LPGA Tour since Angela Stanford’s victory at age 40 in the Evian Championship back in 2018. Despite facing challenges throughout her career, Yang remained persistent and was finally rewarded with a victory after competing in her 75th major tournament – an accomplishment only surpassed by Stanford, who won hers during her 76th start before claiming a first-place win.
Yang built a commanding lead over the first three rounds and maintained her composure despite a few late mistakes. She was nearly flawless for the first 15 holes on Sunday, reaching 10 under for the tournament and holding a seven-shot lead. Although she stumbled with a three-putt on the 16th and a double bogey on the 17th, her pursuers were unable to mount a significant challenge.
Throughout the competition, Yang consistently executed her gameplay and secured crucial birdies on holes one, five, and eight. These successful shots helped her to dominate the leaderboard. Although she faced a setback with a bogey on hole ten, Yang swiftly recovered by earning another birdie on the 11th hole. Her final noteworthy achievement came when she scored yet another birdie at hole thirteen, which helped seal her victory in that tournament.
In her final stretch, Yang showed resilience. After a wayward tee shot on the par-3 17th led to a double bogey, she composed herself and hit a perfect tee shot on the par-5 18th, leading to a two-putt par and a champagne celebration.
Fans and fellow players alike celebrated Yang’s victory. A group of children waited outside the interview tent, chanting “Amy, Amy,” and seeking autographs from the newest major champion. “It’s been incredible all this week. Everyone was rooting for me. I want to go sign some autographs for them,” Yang said.
Her win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship also earned her a spot in the Paris Olympics, where she will represent South Korea for the third time. Yang’s caddie, Jan Meierling, noted, “These weeks get her reinvigorated.”
Lilia Vu and Jin Young Ko both shot 71 to tie for second at 4 under. Vu had three rounds under par but couldn’t overcome a 75 in the first round. Ko praised Yang’s performance, saying, “If (you) hit like Amy, you can win, too.”
Yang’s victory at Sahalee is a testament to her perseverance and skill, finally earning her a place among golf’s major champions.
