CINCINNATI, Ohio | KPMG Women’s PGA Champion Ruoning Yin has been on a tear in 2023, becoming a Rolex First-Time Winner at the DIO Implant LA Open in late March and then capturing her first major title at Baltusrol Golf Club’s Lower Course in June. That hot stretch has continued well into late summer as Yin just earned her third consecutive top-three finish and fourth in five total starts on Sunday at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G. The People’s Republic of China native began the final round at Kenwood Country Club’s Kendale Course in a tie for eighth and six shots back of 54-hole leader Minjee Lee, firing a bogey-free, 5-under 67 to race up the leaderboard and earn a solo third finish in the Queen City.
The 20-year-old came to the Buckeye State fresh off back-to-back T3 or better showings at the CPKC Women’s Open and the Portland Classic, feeling like her game was in a good spot to contend for her third LPGA Tour title. After opening with rounds of 68 and 66, Yin stumbled on Moving Day, carding a 1-over 73, and felt like she managed to redeem herself in the final round, an accomplishment she was particularly proud of considering the challenging conditions.
“Today I think I bounce back from yesterday. My approach shot and my putting went good, but still my tee shot was a little bit off. I have probably just a few fairways today, but putting was good,” said Yin, who hit 6 of 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens. “Today I think it's pretty windy and the green is getting firmer, firmer, firmer. But, yeah, I think just the greens. It's pretty much like a major course.”
Few players look more comfortable on a golf course right now than Yin. This week marked her 16th start of the 2023 LPGA Tour season, and in addition to her two victories, she has recorded five other top-five results. Yin has finished T4 at the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, solo third at the FREED GROUP Women's Scottish Open presented by Trust Golf, solo third at the CPKC Women’s Open, T3 at the Portland Classic and solo third at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G so far this year. She also has three more top-20 results, the most notable of which is a T20 that came at the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links. As the LPGA Tour heads into its home stretch with just seven events left before the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, Yin is on the short list of those who have the potential to win again or even take home the coveted title of Race to CME Globe champion, especially considering that the rising star seems to be feeling more confident and fearless than ever.
“I'm pretty comfortable. Just every week I know I'm in a good spot and every week I can put myself into that winning circle,” she said. “It's just amazing to see myself can play good, but also consistent.”)
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