Golf: "Smiling Queen" Yani Tseng to Return to U.S. Women's Open

In a move that has delighted golf fans and reaffirmed her enduring legacy, "Smiling Queen" Yani Tseng will make a highly anticipated return to the U.S. Women's Open. Having accepted a special exemption from the United States Golf Association (USGA), Tseng is set to compete in the prestigious tournament from June 4-7 at the challenging Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

Tseng's career is etched in golf history, particularly her dominant period between 2008 and 2011, during which she captured five major championships. Her victories include the KPMG Women's PGA Championship (2008, 2011), the Women's British Open (2010, 2011), and the Chevron Championship (2010). While her best finish at the U.S. Women's Open was a T10 in 2010, the tournament holds a special place in her heart, as she expressed, "This tournament has always held a special place in my heart, and I am very grateful to the USGA for giving me the opportunity to once again compete on one of the sport's most important stages."

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Getting a special exemption into the U.S. Women's Open means a lot to me. This tournament has always held a special place in my heart, and I am very grateful to the USGA for giving me the opportunity to once again compete on one of the sport's most important stages. Riviera is very challenging, and I'm excited to test my game there and be part of what promises to be a memorable week.

After a period of struggle, Tseng made a comeback in 2025, qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open after a nine-year hiatus and also securing a victory at the Wistron Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour. Her resilience and continued passion for the game are inspiring. John Bodenhamer, Chief Executive of Championships for the USGA, lauded Tseng's return, stating, "Yani Tseng has had a very illustrious career, arguably one of the most dominant periods in women's golf history. It is incredibly inspiring to see her return to competition and succeed at the highest level."

For Taiwan, Yani Tseng remains an icon, a symbol of national pride and athletic excellence. Her return to a major championship like the U.S. Women's Open is more than just a sporting event; it's a moment of inspiration. While Western media might focus on the comeback narrative, from a Taiwanese perspective, it's about celebrating a beloved national hero who continues to inspire with her talent and perseverance. Her presence on the course is a testament to her dedication and a reminder of the heights Taiwanese athletes can achieve on the global stage.

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Yani Tseng has had a very illustrious career, arguably one of the most dominant periods in women's golf history. It is incredibly inspiring to see her return to competition and succeed at the highest level.