Feng's legacy

Former world No 1 Feng was the first player from the Chinese mainland to, first of all, play on the LPGA Tour, and then to win a major title. Her victory at the 2012 Women's PGA Championship was among her 10 triumphs on the circuit. Feng, who retired last year, also claimed a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Yin admitted those achievements spurred her on to Sunday's breakthrough. "I would say Feng is definitely the standard that I'm chasing. She is the person who inspired me the most," said Yin.

When Feng won her first major title in 2012, Yin was 9 years old and hadn't even picked up a golf club. Back then, she played basketball, and idolized NBA star Stephen Curry. However, lacking the adequate stature for hoops, she switched to golf.

Her development has accelerated over the last few years. The victory at Baltusrol saw Yin became the third player to win twice on the tour this season, joining Lilia Vu and world No 1 Ko Jin-young.

"I want to congratulate Yin Ruoning as she lifted a trophy for the second time this season, and this time it's a major title. I also want to congratulate Lin Xiyu, who finished T3, a great result," Feng, who is now a coach, wrote on her social media account on Monday.

"Calm, aggressive, determined and talented... I am running out of superlatives to praise these young Chinese girls. More and more Chinese girls' names are appearing at the top of the leaderboard at major events, and they all have the ability to win. This is the power of young Chinese golfers. They are the future of Chinese golf. I'm so proud of all of you."

The 27-year-old Lin, who pocketed $423,070 for her T3 finish, is also enjoying a stellar 2023. She finished tied-second at the LA Championship in April and had a T3 finish at the Meijer LPGA Classic earlier this month.

"Unfortunately I didn't hit a good tee shot on the last hole," said Lin, who ranks No 14 in the world.

"But it could have happened at any other hole. I think overall I gave myself good chances. It's still a really good Sunday, and I can take away a lot from this."

According to the Associated Press, Lin rents a house in Florida to Yin, and joked she may now have to consider a rent hike.

But Yin cracked back: "Oh, wow. Actually I'm thinking about buying her house now. Yeah, just think about it!"