Golf legend rolls back the years to win again on Ladies European Tour

Golf legend Yani Tseng has completed one of the most emotional comebacks in women’s golf, ending an 11-year winless drought with victory at the Wistron Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour (LET).

The 36-year-old from Taiwan, a five-time major champion and former World No. 1, fired a stunning performance at Sunrise Golf and Country Club to finish 14-under-par and claim her seventh LET title — her first anywhere in the world since 2014.

"I’ve been waiting for this trophy for so long," said Tseng, who won the tournament by four shots. 

"To win at home in front of family and friends is amazing. 

"It just shows you should never give up on your dreams."

Severe weather in Taoyuan forced officials to shorten the event to 36 holes, but Tseng made the most of it. Tied for the lead entering Sunday, she completed her suspended first round before firing eight birdies — including five in a row — to seal an emotional home victory.

The win also makes her eligible for full LET membership.

"When the lead dropped to one shot, I just told myself to stay calm and focus on every ball," said Tseng.

"It’s been such a long time since I felt this."

Tseng, who still holds the record as the youngest player to win five majors (aged 22), has rebuilt her game in recent years. 

Notably, she switched to putting left-handed in 2024, a change that clearly paid off this week.

Tseng's five major victories came at the Women's PGA (2008, 2011), Chevron Championship (2010), and AIG Women's Open (2010, 2011).

After the tournament Tseng also praised her caddie Hanna Chen, saying: "She really helped me a lot, especially when it got dark. Without her, I wouldn’t have done it."

Once the undisputed queen of women’s golf, Tseng’s fall from dominance was as dramatic as her rise.

But over the weekend, the former World No.1 and 15-time LPGA winner proved that class is permanent.

"This win means everything," said Tseng.

"It’s been a long road back — but I never stopped believing."

Tseng is not yet in the LPGA Hall of Fame, but she is very close and has earned 23 points, just four shy of the 27 required for eligibility.

New Zealand’s Amelia Garvey produced her best LET finish in second place, four shots back, after a steady 36 holes that included an eagle on the ninth.

"It’s been a mentally tough week," said Garvey.

"I nearly booked a flight home because I didn’t think we’d get out there."

Ireland’s Lauren Walsh finished solo third at 10-under, while a group of four — Teresa Lu, Ching Huang, Cara Gainer, and Nook Sukapan — shared fourth.

Wales’ Darcey Harry provided one of Sunday’s highlights with a hole-in-one on the 2nd hole.

With two events remaining on the schedule, Shannon Tan still leads the LET Order of Merit on 2,368.95 points, narrowly ahead of Mimi Rhodes (2,129.49) and Casandra Alexander (1,741.61).

The LET now takes a week’s break before the Aramco China Championship at Mission Hills, running 6–8 November.