For the Fifth Time This Year, There's a New No. 1 in Women's Golf

At just 20 years old, Ruoning Yin became the second Chinese player to reach world No. 1.

A new record has been set in the women’s game. China’s Ruoning Yin reached No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, marking the fifth new world No. 1 player just this year—a first for the LPGA. 

Lilia Vu, Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko and Lydia Ko all held the top spot at various points through the 2023 season. 

Known on Tour as “Ronnie,” Yin also became just the second player from China to claim the No. 1 spot. Shanshan Feng of Guangzhou previously held the top ranking for 23 weeks, until April 2018. Feng, 34, retired from the sport last August. 

“I got goosebumps,” Yin said. “World No. 1 is the big step on the way to chasing Shanshan.”

Playing in only her second full season on the LPGA Tour, Yin began the year searching for a win. She captured that maiden title in March in Los Angeles and followed up with her first major championship victory at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol. 

A solo third place finish at the Kroger Queen City Championship pushed her to No. 1. It was her fourth top-3 finish in five starts. 

In less than nine months, Yin jumped more than 150 spots up the world rankings.

Yin became just the second player from China to reach world No. 1.  :: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Yin is the third player 20 or younger to reach the top of the Rolex standings. She joins Ko and Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul in the prestigious category.  

“For me, it’s like a dream come true,” Yin said.

Yin hasn’t had many chances to speak to the only other woman from China to reach the No. 1 milestone, but she’ll soon have the perfect opportunity. On Sept. 23, Yin will represent her country at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Feng will serve as China’s head coach. 

“I didn’t get a lot of chances to chat with Shanshan,” Yin said. “But I’m looking forward to going back to China and play the Asian Games and spend more time with her.”