Yani Tseng 2025: Net Worth, Career Earnings, Caddie

Step into the world of professional golf and you’ll find few stories as captivating as Yani Tseng’s journey.

The Taiwanese golf legend made history by becoming the youngest player ever to win five major championships, spending 109 consecutive weeks as the world’s number one female golfer. Her story combines remarkable achievements with challenging setbacks and an inspiring comeback attempt.

In this article, you will know Tseng’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more fascinating details about this golf icon.

Yani Tseng’s Biography

Early Career

Yani Tseng’s golf journey began when she was just six years old in her hometown of Guishan, Taiwan. Growing up in a golf-loving family with her father Charlie Tseng, who ran a golf driving range, and her mother who served as a caddie, Yani was naturally drawn to the sport.

Her parents recognized her exceptional talent early and made the significant decision to send her to the United States in 2001 to attend the prestigious David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Florida when she was just 12 years old.

During her amateur career, Tseng quickly established herself as Taiwan’s top-ranked amateur golfer from 2004 to 2006. Her breakthrough moment came in 2004 when she defeated Michelle Wie in the final of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship, winning 1-up in a thrilling 36-hole match.

This victory put her on the international golf map and showcased her competitive spirit. She also captured the 2002 Callaway Junior World Golf Championships in the girls 13-14 division and claimed the 2005 North and South Women’s Amateur Golf Championship by defeating Morgan Pressel in the final.

Professional Career

Tseng turned professional in January 2007 at age 18, initially competing on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and CN Canadian Women’s Tour. Her first professional victory came at the DLF Women’s Indian Open, and she also won the CN Canadian Women’s Tour at Vancouver Golf Club.

Her determination paid off when she finished sixth at the LPGA Q-School in December 2007, earning full playing privileges for the 2008 LPGA Tour season.

Her rookie year on the LPGA Tour was nothing short of spectacular. In June 2008, she claimed her first LPGA Tour victory at the LPGA Championship, becoming the first player from Taiwan to win an LPGA major championship.

At 19 years old, she was the youngest player to win the LPGA Championship and the second-youngest to win any LPGA major. This phenomenal debut earned her the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year award.

Tseng’s dominance continued through 2012, during which she won 15 LPGA Tour events, including five major championships. She held the world number one ranking for 109 consecutive weeks from 2011 to 2013 and won the LPGA Player of the Year award in both 2010 and 2011.

However, after winning the Kia Classic in March 2012, her career took an unexpected turn, and she hasn’t won since, facing various challenges including injuries and the putting yips.

Caddie

Tseng has worked with several caddies, with the most significant being Jason Hamilton, who was with her for 16 of her victories. Hamilton, who helped her achieve most of her major championship wins, was let go during her struggles in 2012 when Tseng felt she needed a change.

She then worked briefly with Basil van Rooyen, a veteran caddie who had previously worked on the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, and European Tour for 30 years with players like Mark McNulty and Graham DeLaet.

After van Rooyen, she tried Patrick Turley, but none of these changes brought back her winning form. Her relationship with Hamilton was particularly close, as they achieved tremendous success together, but Tseng admitted that during her struggles, she would sometimes blame him for poor shots, which led to their mutual decision to take a break from their partnership.

Yani Tseng’s Net Worth Details

As of 2025, Yani Tseng’s estimated net worth stands between $6-8 million.

Career Earnings

Endorsements

During her peak years from 2010-2012, Tseng earned approximately $2 million annually from endorsement deals. Her major sponsors included Taishin Financial Holdings (her first Taiwanese sponsor), which paid her around $500,000 per year, and the Reignwood Group with a two-year deal.

She also had significant partnerships with Callaway Golf, Adams Golf, Lacoste, Oakley, and Titleist. These endorsement deals were crucial in building her wealth, as she became one of the most marketable athletes in women’s golf.

However, as her performance declined after 2012, many of these lucrative sponsorship deals were not renewed or were significantly reduced in value.

Career Statistics

FAQs

1. What happened to Yani Tseng’s golf career after?

Tseng’s career dramatically declined after her last win, struggling with putting yips, driver issues, and various injuries including a back problem that required surgery, leading to missed cuts and extended time away from professional golf.

2. How many major championships has Yani Tseng won?

Tseng has won five major championships, making her the youngest player ever (male or female) to achieve this milestone at age 22, including two LPGA Championships, two Women’s British Opens, and one Kraft Nabisco Championship.

3. Is Yani Tseng making a comeback?

Yes, Tseng is attempting a comeback and qualified for the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills through a qualifying tournament, marking her first major appearance since 2016 and showing signs of renewed determination.

4. What is Yani Tseng’s current world ranking?

Tseng’s world ranking has fallen significantly from her peak position, currently sitting around 979th in the world rankings, reflecting her struggles to regain her previous form over the past decade.

5. Why did Yani Tseng switch to left-handed putting?

Tseng switched to left-handed putting as a bold strategy to combat the putting yips that severely affected her game, working with coach Brady Riggs to reinvent her short game and salvage her professional career.