The 20-year-old Yin became only the second golfer from the Chinese mainland to win a women's major title after Feng Shanshan won the same tournament in 2012.

Yin Ruoning shot to fame on Sunday by triumphing at the Women's PGA Championship to become the second player from the Chinese mainland to win a major title.

The 20-year-old claimed the $1.5 million winner's check after sinking a 10-foot birdie on the 18th hole at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey for a one-stroke victory over second-placed Yuka Saso of Japan.

Yin, who carded a final-round 67 for an 8-under total of 276, takes her place in Chinese sports history alongside retired legend Feng Shanshan, who won the same tournament in 2012.

Another Chinese star Lin Xiyu finished two shots behind Yin in a tie for third.

"When I was on the 18th tee and I saw the leaderboard, I knew I had a one-shot lead. But after the tee shot, I saw Yuka make an incredible birdie here, and I knew I had to make birdie to win the championship," said a delighted Yin.

"I'm so happy I did it. Today, I didn't think too much. I was just aiming for no three-putts, because the last couple of days I made five bogeys, and four of those were three-putts. Today, just no three-putts."

Yin is enjoying a breakout season, earning her first LPGA Tour victory in April at the LA Open.

Joining Feng in the history books, however, made Sunday's win extra special.

"This victory means a lot, but it still feels so surreal right now. Before today, I'd never thought about it. And after nine holes, and when we were at the clubhouse, I started thinking about maybe I have a chance to win this championship," said Yin.

"I'm so thrilled to be the second player from the Chinese mainland after Shanshan to win a major. Like I said after the LA Open, I think this victory is going to encourage a lot of kids to play golf.

"Me and Xiyu are super close and we all want to help Chinese golf reach the next level. I think we're doing pretty good, and I'd love to see her win too. I hope the next time Xiyu can win and I'm there when she does it. This is just one tournament — I think there's more to come."

Lin hailed her pal's success, and revealed her early encounters with Yin hinted at great things to come.

"I remember the first time I met her, she was barely 18. She approached me directly, asking me how to get into the LPGA. No other 17-year-old came to me like that, with that sort of serious plan," said Lin.

"The more I talked to her, the more I realized that she was mature beyond her age. She has a very clear goal and she's fearless."

Former world No 1 Feng was the first player from the Chinese mainland to, first of all, play on the LPGA Tour, and then to win a major title. Her victory at the 2012 Women's PGA Championship was among her 10 triumphs on the circuit. Feng, who retired last year, also claimed a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Yin admitted those achievements spurred her on to Sunday's breakthrough. "I would say Feng is definitely the standard that I'm chasing. She is the person who inspired me the most," said Yin.

When Feng won her first major title in 2012, Yin was 9 years old and hadn't even picked up a golf club. Back then, she played basketball, and idolized NBA star Stephen Curry. However, lacking the adequate stature for hoops, she switched to golf.

Her development has accelerated over the last few years. The victory at Baltusrol saw Yin became the third player to win twice on the tour this season, joining Lilia Vu and world No 1 Ko Jin-young.

"I want to congratulate Yin Ruoning as she lifted a trophy for the second time this season, and this time it's a major title. I also want to congratulate Lin Xiyu, who finished T3, a great result," Feng, who is now a coach, wrote on her social media account on Monday.

"Calm, aggressive, determined and talented... I am running out of superlatives to praise these young Chinese girls. More and more Chinese girls' names are appearing at the top of the leaderboard at major events, and they all have the ability to win. This is the power of young Chinese golfers. They are the future of Chinese golf. I'm so proud of all of you."

The 27-year-old Lin, who pocketed $423,070 for her T3 finish, is also enjoying a stellar 2023. She finished tied-second at the LA Championship in April and had a T3 finish at the Meijer LPGA Classic earlier this month.

"Unfortunately I didn't hit a good tee shot on the last hole," said Lin, who ranks No 14 in the world.

"But it could have happened at any other hole. I think overall I gave myself good chances. It's still a really good Sunday, and I can take away a lot from this."

According to the Associated Press, Lin rents a house in Florida to Yin, and joked she may now have to consider a rent hike.

But Yin cracked back: "Oh, wow. Actually I'm thinking about buying her house now. Yeah, just think about it!"

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