Xiaowen Yin is officially the second player to clinch her 2023 LPGA Tour card through the Epson Tour. Yin, who currently sits at No. 2 on the Epson Tour Official Money List, was pleasantly surprised to start her week at the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic in Pendleton, Oregon with good news.
“I’m so happy,” said Yin. “Like really happy that I get to play the LPGA Tour next year. I’m going to learn a lot from it.”
Clinching her LPGA Tour card is already a big accomplishment, but something that will separate Yin from the rest of the graduates this season is her age. She is currently the youngest player on the Epson Tour at only 17 years old. Yin will turn 18 in December, just in time for her 2023 LPGA Tour debut.
Because of her age, as well as being from China, Yin travels to each tournament with her parents. While officially solidifying a spot in the top-10 came as a shock to Xiaowen, it wasn’t a surprise for mom and dad.
Her father, who is her biggest cheerleader and very vocal about his support for his daughter, had a feeling and was ready for the announcement. Yin jokes that her dad is a good luck charm, as he wasn’t on the road with her until the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship – the site of her first win. Being with both of her parents this week makes the moment, and the celebration, that much sweeter.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” said Yin. “For them to be with me makes everything more special.”
Just last month, Yin’s goal was to break into the top-10. After back-to-back wins in late July and early August, she’s not only done that, but also secured her spot to stay there.
“Unbelievable, incredible, amazing,” said Yin. “That’s how I feel.”
Looking ahead, Yin is ready to start her LPGA career. However, she won’t forget the path she took to get there. Golf is a game of many ups and downs, and the professional world can be hard to navigate. She credits the qualifying tour for a newfound confidence, something that will help her continue to grow throughout her career.
“I’ve been getting more experience to get ready for my LPGA career,” said Yin. “I’ve learned a lot on the Epson Tour. It’s given me a lot of confidence.”
For now, Yin still has some unfinished business to take care of on the Epson Tour. With just five events left in the season, she sets new goals for herself – finish No. 1 on the Official Money List and be player of the year.
“I’m going to do my best,” said Yin. “There’s no pressure at all now.”
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