Rory McIlroy made an awe-inspiring statement, lapping the field in the U.S. Open at Congressional. A week later, another 22-year-old did the same in a major championship on the women’s circuit.
Yani Tseng‘s 19-under par in the LPGA Championship matched the best ever in an LPGA major. Tseng, who won by 10 strokes, did it with the same formula as McIlroy, blasting the ball long and high at rain-softened Locust Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y.
“It was amazing watching Rory win by eight shots,” Tseng told the Golf Channel. “I told my caddie, ‘I think I can do that too.’?”
While McIlroy’s win prompted some to call it a new era in men’s golf and sparked comparisons to Tiger Woods, Tseng’s victory comes with similar implications.
Here’s why: Tseng is the youngest woman to win four majors. The woman to whom she is drawing comparison, 10-time major champion Annika Sorenstam, didn’t capture her first until age 24.
Tseng has some history with Sorenstam. A few years ago, she visited Sorenstam at her home in Orlando, Fla. The legend’s advice? Concentrate on the majors. Later Tseng purchased Sorenstam’s home.
Tseng’s first LPGA victory was a major. At age 19, she stunned the field in the 2008 LPGA Championship at Bulle Rock to become the second youngest major winner. Tseng outlasted onrushing superstars Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa, who both finished a stroke back, and emerged in a playoff over Maria Hjorth.
That victory said Tseng was a major closer. Sunday’s finish showed she’s a major talent. It takes both to be a great player, male or female.
