Xiyu Lin Finishes T4 at LPGA Founders Cup, Inspired by Growing Chinese Contingent

May 13, Beijing time, the LPGA Founders Cup concluded at Upper Montclair Country Club in New Jersey. WME athlete Xiyu Lin secured a tied-fourth place with a four-round total of 280 (-8) after shooting 68-73-68-71. This marked her third top-10 finish of the season. American-born Chinese golfer Stephanie Zhang clinched her second LPGA victory with a two-stroke lead after birdieing four of the last five holes in the final round.

Lin started her opening round from the back nine, carding four birdies without a bogey in the first six holes, propelling her into the top-10 early on. However, she encountered setbacks in the second round with just one birdie and four bogeys. Undeterred, Lin promptly regained her composure, rebounding with birdies on holes 10 and 12.

On moving day, Lin rediscovered her touch, notching five birdies to secure her position back in the top-10. In the final round, she closed with a solid 71 (-1), featuring two birdies and one bogey, finishing at -8 for a T4 result. Reflecting on her performance, Lin said, “To be honest, I haven’t shown my best this season, so this week I tried to focus on every swing. Even when mistakes happened, I tried to find the positive side and put the ball in better positions. I’m glad it paid off in the end.”

This year is particularly significant for both Lin and Chinese golf, with more Chinese women making their mark on the LPGA circuit and the upcoming Paris Olympics. “I’ve been quite consistent this season, and my task is to fine-tune everything and bring it together in competition,” Lin commented. “The growing Chinese presence on tour is fantastic. Chatting with the newer Chinese players on the LPGA also motivates me to keep pushing forward with their enthusiasm.”

Among other Chinese players, Yin Ruoqing finished tied-fourth alongside Lin after consecutive rounds of 68 over the weekend; Liu Yan shot a 284 (-4) to finish tied-25th; Liu Yiyi ended up tied-35th with a 286 (-2); and Yan Jing was tied-50th at even par after a 288 total.

Next up, the LPGA Mizuho Bank American Open from May 16 to 19 awaits, where Zhang clinched her maiden professional title last year. With Lin in fine form, the Chinese contingent will continue to face new challenges—here’s to more exciting golf ahead!

(IMG Golf)