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
Yin wasted no time proving herself. She won her first three professional events on the China LPGA Tour in rapid succession, setting multiple records and reinforcing her belief that she belonged at the highest level. Her breakthrough on the global stage came in 2022 when she joined the LPGA Tour.

Though her rookie season was a learning curve, by April 2023, she had found her rhythm, capturing her first LPGA Tour title at the DIO Implant LA Open.

Then came the defining moment of her young career—the 2023 Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol. With nerves of steel, Yin birdied the 18th hole to edge out Yuka Saso by a stroke, becoming only the second Chinese woman to win a major after her idol, Feng Shanshan. “She’s definitely someone I look up to and want to emulate,” Yin says with admiration.

Her meteoric rise didn’t stop there. By the end of 2023, Yin had two LPGA titles, nine top-10 finishes, and had skyrocketed from outside the top 400 to world number one. It was a testament to her consistency, mental strength, and the continued dominance of Asian women in professional golf.

THE CHAMPION’S MINDSET
Despite her youth, Yin carries herself with a maturity beyond her years. Her approach to the game is meticulous, from her structured pre-shot routine to her disciplined warm- up: 30 minutes of putting, 20 minutes of chipping, and 40 minutes on the range, all preceded by stretching with her physio.

A touch of superstition adds to her game-day routine — on the final day of tournaments, she always wears a black shirt, a tradition born from her first win and only plays golf balls with the number one. She credits her family, early coaches, and now Rolex for supporting her journey. “I loved watches as a teenager,” she admits with a smile, adjusting her Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18 ct white gold.

As a Rolex Testimonee, Yin joins an elite group that includes legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam. She’s also proud of the brand’s commitment to women’s golf, from sponsoring the LPGA’s annual awards to serving as the official timekeeper of all five major women’s championships.

Asked for advice for young golfers, she emphasizes smart practice. “Practice like it means something,” she says. She admits to fist-pumps when holing putts on the practice green. But she also stresses the importance of fun, especially for juniors: “Golf is hard, but try to enjoy it.”

LIFE BEYOND GOLF
If she is not playing tournaments practice takes up to six hours of the day, leaving little time for other pursuits. Any hobbies are sports-focused, and include basketball, tennis and swimming. Unlike many in her generation, she prefers quiet evenings at home, enjoying tea with her mother rather than scrolling social media or going out.

On tour, her closest friend is world number two and fellow Rolex Testimonee Jeeno Thitikul. Their friendship was on full display at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where both fell short of medals on the final day and consoled each other in tears. Off the course, their bond revolves around food, with sushi being Yin’s favourite.

Where they do differ is in planning. Yin admits that she organises everything for their nights out, from selecting the restaurant, making the booking and ordering the transport,” Jeeno doesn’t do anything,” she adds cheekily.

EYES ON THE FUTURE
For Yin, winning is not just a goal—it’s a mission. She hopes her success will inspire young Chinese girls to take up golf.

She smiles and says, ”When I go back to play in China it is great to see the young kids out watching, it reminds me of my early years enthusiastically  going to watch tournaments”.

A second major is the immediate aim. Above all though she wants to continue “to find joy in playing golf”. Yin recently partnered with VOXA, a new talent management agency founded by Suzann Pettersen specifically for female athletes. “She’s a legend I grew up idolising,” Yin says. “To have her in my corner feels like a dream come true.” With talent, ambition, and the backing of one of golf’s greats, Yin Ruoning’s future looks incredibly bright.

As the interview finishes a lightning warning puts a stop to any further time on the range, so thoughts turn to what restaurant to eat at and how to get there. As usual Ronni will be the organiser. From her humble beginnings to the peak of women’s golf, Yin’s story is a masterclass in belief and perseverance.

With a major title in hand and many years ahead, the best may be yet to come.

ROLEX AND THE LPGA
Yin Ruoning played in the tournament HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore last March, a tournament known as Asia’s Major on the LPGA. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Rolex’s dedicated partnership with the premier women’s professional tour. As the official timekeeper for all five of the women’s majors – The Chevron Championship, U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally, KPMG PGA Championship, The Amundi Evian Championship, and the AIG Women’s Open – Rolex and LPGA share a mutual respect for tradition, champion integrity, distinction and world class performance.

Rolex is also a sponsor of the Solheim Cup, the leading women’s team tournament in the game. Rolex also upholds the games standards through its sponsorship of the sport’s top awards including the Rolex Player of the Year, the Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year and the ANNIKA Major of the Year that goes to the player with the best record in all the majors in a year. Rolex is also the sponsor of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

SPRINGFIELD, NJ – JUNE 25: Winner, Ruoning Yin poses with the trophy after the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club on Sunday, June 25, 2023 in Springfield, New Jersey. (Photo by Darren Carroll/PGA of America)