Getting to know a professional golfer means understanding both their journey and their achievements. Y.E. Yang, famously known for his incredible win over Tiger Woods, has left a lasting mark on golf.
In this article, readers will get to know Y.E. Yang’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationships, and the person supporting him on the course—his caddie.
Y.E. Yang’s Biography
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yang Yong-eun |
| Date of Birth | January 15, 1972 |
| Age | 53 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 176 lb (80 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 1996 |
| Net Worth | $15,764,725 |
| Salary/Earnings | Averaged $985,295 per year |
| Wife | Mi Jin Kim |
Early Career
Y.E. Yang grew up on Jeju-do island in South Korea, one of eight children. His golfing journey started in a unique way. He worked part-time collecting golf balls at a local club.
Yang taught himself the sport by watching experienced players. He faced challenges early on, including a serious knee injury from a construction job, and completed his military service at 21.
After this, he moved to New Zealand, focused fully on golf, and turned professional in 1996. These years helped shape his competitive nature and work ethic as he learned the game largely on his own.
Professional Career
After turning pro, Yang found international success by winning the Korea Open in 2006, gaining entry to high-level tournaments. He became globally known in 2009 when he won the PGA Championship, making history as the first Asian-born male to win a major, defeating Tiger Woods.
His career on the PGA and European Tours had several high points, including wins at the Honda Classic and the HSBC Champions. Yang also won events on the Japan Golf Tour and OneAsia Tour. In his 50s, he joined the PGA Tour Champions, earning another victory at the Ascension Charity Classic.
Wife
Y.E. Yang is married to Park Joo Yeong, and the couple has three children together—Hyeonwoo, Isu, and Kyungmin. Yang has often acknowledged his wife’s support as key to his success, dedicating his historic PGA Championship win in 2009 to her.
Yang and his wife prefer to keep their family life private, but he has credited their close relationship as a major reason behind his motivation and perseverance on the golf course.
The family’s support has remained consistent throughout Yang’s golfing journey, both in challenging and celebratory times.
Y.E. Yang’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Y.E. Yang has an estimated net worth of about $15.8 million, primarily from tournament winnings and endorsements.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2004-05 | $22,856 |
| 2006-07 | $53,480 |
| 2007-08 | $713,605 |
| 2008-09 | $6,979,031 |
| 2009-10 | $2,603,453 |
| 2010-11 | $3,406,133 |
| 2011-12 | $454,276 |
| 2012-13 | $443,028 |
| 2013-14 | $620,354 |
| 2014-15 | $150,071 |
| 2016-17 | $201,273 |
| 2018-19 | $117,165 |
| Total | $15,764,725 |
Career Stats
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Years Active | 17 |
| Professional Wins | 13 |
| PGA Tour Wins | 2 |
| Major Wins | 1 (2009 PGA Championship) |
| European Tour Wins | 3 |
| Japan Golf Tour | 5 |
| Asian Tour Wins | 1 |
| OneAsia Tour Wins | 2 |
| PGA Champions Wins | 1 |
| Best Year Earnings | $6,979,031 (2008-09) |
| Top 10 Finishes | 9 (select years) |
| Career Earnings | $15,764,725 |
| Cuts Made | 208 (in main events) |
FAQs
1. How did Y.E. Yang make history at the PGA Championship?
He made history by becoming the first Asian-born male golfer to win a major, claiming victory at the 2009 PGA Championship by defeating Tiger Woods in the final round.
2. What is Y.E. Yang’s total career earnings in professional golf?
Yang’s career earnings total approximately $15.76 million, accumulated through prize money from multiple tours over nearly two decades.
3. Who is Y.E. Yang’s wife?
His wife is Mi Jin Kim, and the couple values privacy, rarely sharing personal details about their family in public interviews or mainstream media.
4. How many professional titles does Y.E. Yang have?
He has 13 professional wins across different tours, including two on the PGA Tour, five on the Japan Golf Tour, and several others in Asia and Europe.
5. How does Yang maintain competitive success in his 50s?
He continues to play on the PGA Tour Champions, winning events and staying competitive through discipline, maintaining fitness, and adapting his game to changing conditions.
