Rising talent claims maiden major with victory at Women's PGA Championship

Yin Ruoning shot to fame on Sunday by triumphing at the Women's PGA Championship to become the second player from the Chinese mainland to win a major title.

The 20-year-old claimed the $1.5 million winner's check after sinking a 10-foot birdie on the 18th hole at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey for a one-stroke victory over second-placed Yuka Saso of Japan.

Yin, who carded a final-round 67 for an 8-under total of 276, takes her place in Chinese sports history alongside retired legend Feng Shanshan, who won the same tournament in 2012.

Another Chinese star Lin Xiyu finished two shots behind Yin in a tie for third.

"When I was on the 18th tee and I saw the leaderboard, I knew I had a one-shot lead. But after the tee shot, I saw Yuka make an incredible birdie here, and I knew I had to make birdie to win the championship," said a delighted Yin.

"I'm so happy I did it. Today, I didn't think too much. I was just aiming for no three-putts, because the last couple of days I made five bogeys, and four of those were three-putts. Today, just no three-putts."

Yin is enjoying a breakout season, earning her first LPGA Tour victory in April at the LA Open.

Joining Feng in the history books, however, made Sunday's win extra special.

"This victory means a lot, but it still feels so surreal right now. Before today, I'd never thought about it. And after nine holes, and when we were at the clubhouse, I started thinking about maybe I have a chance to win this championship," said Yin.

"I'm so thrilled to be the second player from the Chinese mainland after Shanshan to win a major. Like I said after the LA Open, I think this victory is going to encourage a lot of kids to play golf.

"Me and Xiyu are super close and we all want to help Chinese golf reach the next level. I think we're doing pretty good, and I'd love to see her win too. I hope the next time Xiyu can win and I'm there when she does it. This is just one tournament — I think there's more to come."

Lin hailed her pal's success, and revealed her early encounters with Yin hinted at great things to come.

"I remember the first time I met her, she was barely 18. She approached me directly, asking me how to get into the LPGA. No other 17-year-old came to me like that, with that sort of serious plan," said Lin.

"The more I talked to her, the more I realized that she was mature beyond her age. She has a very clear goal and she's fearless."