Angel Yin made waves on the LPGA Tour by clinching her second victory at the LPGA Thailand tournament, crafting her name indelibly onto the pages of golf’s history with a record-breaking 72-hole score. Meanwhile, Aldrich Potgieter showcased his young talent at the Mexico Open, demonstrating resilience as he held onto the lead amid fierce competition.
Angel Yin's stunning performance at Siam Country Club came to fruition on Sunday as she finished the tournament at 28 under par, setting a new benchmark of 260 across four rounds, which surpassed the prior LPGA Tour record of 261 established by Annika Sorenstam back in 2001. The 26-year-old exhibited control and poise throughout the event, culminating her efforts with a flawless final-round score of 65. She narrowly edged out Japan’s Akie Iwai by just one stroke, who herself was not without her own shining moments, achieving a tournament-low round of 61 on her final day.
Yin, ranked No. 17 globally, expressed the pressure she felt during the final round. "I wasn't sure because Akie shot 10 under the first day and this course is very gettable. So I just had to keep my head down," Yin recalled, alluding to the ever-changing dynamics of the tournament leaderboard. Even with her significant advantage at the start of the final round, the presence of Iwai, who shot eight consecutive birdies, kept Yin on her toes.
Achieving this victory not only adds another title to Yin’s resume but also establishes her as the fourth American to win the prestigious LPGA Thailand title, joining ranked golfers like Lilia Vu, Jessica Korda, and Lexi Thompson. Yin has previously shown her capabilities as two-time runner-up at major championships and highlights the increase of female talent on the tour.
Across the globe, the Mexico Open unfolded with its share of excitement and tension, featuring South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter, who retained the lead heading onto the final round. The 20-year-old emerged as the tour's rising star after demonstrating superb skill amid the pressures of the PGA Tour, finishing the third round at 20 under par.
After opening with a four-shot lead, Potgieter found himself needing to recover on the challenging last holes. "Besides the last two holes, it was really good," Potgieter commented on his third round, reflecting on the ups and downs he faced, especially on holes 17 and 18 where pressure loomed large. Despite some struggles, the golfer who earned his spot on the PGA Tour via the Korn Ferry Tour has proven his caliber, particularly where driving distance is concerned with averages reaching above 329 yards.
Chasing Potgieter closely was Brian Campbell, who carded an impressive bogey-free 64, bringing him within one shot of the lead. The competition turns intense as players vie not only for the win but the opportunity to secure spots for future tournaments, including the Masters and The Players Championship.
Both Yin and Potgieter’s performances stand as reminders of the talent flourishing within the golf community, as both young stars write their names onto the structure of professional golf. Their victories not only bolster their standings but also add thrilling narratives to the 2025 PGA and LPGA Tour seasons.
The LPGA Thailand victory adds momentum to Yin’s career, propelling her forward with eyes set on future tournaments. Her confidence stemming from this win suggests many successes may lie ahead. Following this tournament, the LPGA swings to Singapore and China, with fans eager to see how Yang’s prowess holds up against other international competitors.
Meanwhile, as the golf season progresses, Potgieter’s young ambition will faces seasoned players seeking to claim their own titles and recognition. The stakes couldn't be higher for both tournaments, filled with drama as many players seek to showcase their talents and claim their places among the best.
With the season moving forward, fans are left to wonder how both tours will evolve and what new records will soon replace the old, as both Yin and Potgieter continue to carve their paths through the sport.