Born Yang Hee-Young in Ilsan, South Korea, the golfer known as Amy Yang earned a nickname that carried great weight. “Little Se Ri” connected her directly to Se Ri Pak, the pioneer who inspired a generation of Korean women in professional golf.
Her own journey began at age ten. It soon became a global pursuit. The family moved from South Korea to Australia’s Gold Coast, then settled in Orlando, Florida in 2007. This support system was crucial for her development.
Turning professional at 17 in 2006, she quickly joined the Ladies European Tour. Her steady climb was built on dedication and quiet improvement. The foundation laid in her youth propelled her forward.
Amy Yang’s career spans nearly two decades. It includes multiple victories on the LPGA Tour and other international circuits. She represents those who followed the path blazed by legends, building a legacy of her own.
Early Life & Amateur Achievements
At just ten years old, she discovered golf in her native South Korea. This early start ignited a passion that would define her career path.
Childhood and South Korean Roots
Her family recognized her talent early. At age fifteen, they made a significant move to Australia’s Gold Coast.
The relocation provided year-round training opportunities. This international exposure helped refine her skills beyond what was possible in Korea alone.
Breakthrough as a Record-Breaking Amateur
In 2005, she won the Queensland Amateur Championship. At sixteen, she became the youngest champion in the event’s history.
The real breakthrough came at the 2006 ANZ Ladies Masters. Competing as an amateur on the Ladies European Tour, she defeated seasoned professionals.
Her victory at age sixteen years and 192 days set a Ladies European Tour record. The tour offered a special three-year membership exemption, requiring parental travel until she turned eighteen.
| Year | Event | Achievement | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Queensland Amateur | Youngest champion ever | 16 |
| 2006 | ANZ Ladies Masters | Youngest LET winner | 16 years, 192 days |
| 2006 | LET Membership | Special exemption granted | 17 |
| 2006 | Professional Transition | Amateur to pro status | 17 |
Amy Yang: A Spotlight on her Professional Career
Turning professional at seventeen, she immediately faced the dual challenge of high school and high-level competition. Her talent was clear, but the professional ranks demanded a new level of consistency.
Transition from Amateur Success to Professional Ranks
The 2007 season tested her maturity. She recorded four top-20 finishes on the Ladies European Tour while completing her education.
Her character shone through in 2008 with a victory at the Ladies German Open. She donated her entire prize to earthquake victims, a selfless act early in her career.
Key Victories on the LPGA and Ladies European Tour
Securing full status on the LPGA Tour in 2009 set the stage for a breakthrough. Her first win on the circuit came in 2013 at the KEB-HanaBank Championship, sealed with a playoff birdie.
The Honda LPGA Thailand became a signature event. She captured that title three times, in 2015, 2017, and 2019, proving her mastery of the course.
Major Championship Triumphs and Career Milestones
A career-defining moment arrived in June 2024. She won the Women’s PGA Championship, her first major title in her 75th start.
Holding a two-shot lead entering the final round, she posted a steady 72 to win by three strokes. This victory validated nearly two decades of work.
Amy Yang’s career is a model of endurance. Through the 2024 season, she made 299 cuts in 350 LPGA Tour events, a testament to her remarkable consistency.
Impact and Legacy on Golf and Beyond
Beyond tournament victories, her impact resonates through consistent excellence across multiple continents. The golfer’s influence stretches from Olympic stages to inspiring future generations of athletes.
Influence on Women’s Golf in South Korea and Overseas
Amy Yang represented South Korea at both the 2016 and 2024 Olympic Games. She also competed in the 2016 International Crown team event. These appearances showcased national pride on golf’s biggest platforms.
Her world ranking history reveals remarkable consistency. Yang finished inside the top 25 in eight different years throughout her career. This includes top-10 positions in 2015 and 2016.
The 2023 season marked a significant resurgence. She finished second in the Race to the CME Globe money list. By December 2024, she held the 12th position worldwide.
Career earnings exceeding $15.8 million place her among South Korea’s highest-earning golfers. This financial success reflects nearly two decades of professional achievement.
Her early Ladies European Tour success created pathways for young Korean golfers. Starting on that circuit led directly to LPGA stardom. Yang demonstrated that patience and persistence yield major championship success.
Olympic representation gave her a platform to inspire the next generation. Young Korean golfers now dream of following her path to international competition.
Final Thoughts on Amy Yang’s Inspiring Journey
Her first major championship arrived not as a sudden explosion, but as the final piece of a puzzle built over 75 attempts. The 2024 Women’s PGA Championship victory at age 35 validated nearly two decades of quiet, consistent work on the LPGA Tour.
This pinnacle moment connects directly to her start. Yang’s win as a 16-year-old amateur at the ANZ Ladies Masters signaled extraordinary talent. That early success on the Ladies European Tour paved the way for a professional career featuring ten wins across the globe.
Her record speaks for itself. Making 299 cuts in 350 events demonstrates remarkable week-to-week resilience. Even after her major title, the 2025 season began strongly with multiple top-25 finishes.
Yang’s journey establishes a powerful legacy of patience. It proves that a first major title can be the reward for unwavering belief, not just youthful talent. Her story inspires anyone chasing a long-term dream.
