On October 13th, the 2024 Buick LPGA Championship concluded in Shanghai after four thrilling rounds. Chinese star Yin Ruoning emerged victorious with an impressive total score of 263, 25 strokes under par, making her the first Chinese player to win this tournament since it was upgraded in 2018.
In the final round, Yin started one shot back but quickly turned the tide on the first hole with a birdie, which put her in a tie for the lead with Japan’s Maho Saigo. She pulled ahead with another birdie on the fifth hole, gaining a slender advantage. Throughout the remaining holes, Yin’s performance was stellar, and she steadily extended her lead. Ultimately, she finished the final round eight strokes under par, solidifying her triumph with a total score 25 strokes under par. South Korean player Kim Si-woo and Japan’s Maho Saigo finished tied for second place.
After her win, an emotional Yin expressed her joy, stating, “Winning at home has always been a dream of mine. I played steadily today, and as I approached the final green, I was nearly brought to tears. This was an unforgettable day for me, and I will cherish it for a long time.”
Other notable performances from Chinese players included Liu Yu and Liu Ruixin, who both finished tied for 12th at 12 strokes under par. Additionally, Chinese amateur Li Menghan qualified for the tournament through her outstanding performance in the Buick Youth Golf Tournament. She concluded the event with a total score of 2 strokes over par, earning her the title of best amateur player of the championship, finishing tied for 63rd.
The Buick LPGA Championship is an exclusive event with a total prize pool of $2.1 million and no cut line. This year’s tournament marked the opening of the LPGA’s Asian fall swing, with Yin set to participate in the upcoming BMW Women’s Championship in South Korea and the Malaysian Championship.