Tseng Grateful for US Women’s Open Exemption

Liberty Corner, New Jersey, United States: Five-time Major champion Tseng Ya-ni has accepted a special exemption into the 81st US Women’s Open Presented by Ally.

Under the auspices of the United States Golf Association (USGA), the 2026 championship will be held at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles from June 4-7. 

Tseng, 37, compiled one of the most dominant stretches in the history of women’s golf between 2008 and 2011. She won five Major championships in that time – the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2008 and 2011, the 2010 and 2011 Women’s British Open and the 2010 Chevron Championship. She finished tied 10th at the 2010 US Women’s Open, her best finish in 12 appearances in the championship. 

Tseng, who hails from Chinese Taipei, said: “Receiving this special exemption to the US Women’s Open means so much to me. This championship has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m incredibly grateful to the USGA for the opportunity to compete again on one of the game’s biggest stages. Riviera is such an iconic venue, and I’m excited to test my game there and be part of what I know will be an unforgettable week.” 

From 2011 to 2013, Tseng spent 109 consecutive weeks as the number one player in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking, the fourth longest consecutive run of all time. She claimed 15 LPGA Tour wins during her career, including seven in 2011 alone. That same year she won Rolex Player of the Year, earned the Vare Trophy and became the youngest player, male or female, to win five Major championships by the age 23. 

After taking a break from professional golf, Tseng returned to full-time competition in 2025. Last May she qualified for the 2025 US Women’s Open at Erin Hills, her first appearance in the championship in nine years.

She has since added another professional victory after clinching the title at The Wistron Ladies Open, an event on the Ladies European Tour (LET). 

During an illustrious amateur career, Tseng defeated defending champion Michelle Wie in the final of the 2004 US Women’s Amateur Public Links and also won the inaugural Faldo Series Asia.

She made three appearances in the Queen Sirikit Cup, leading Chinese Taipei to back-to-back victories in 2005 and 2006.

“Yani Tseng’s career is defined by one of the most dominant stretches in the women’s game, and it has been inspirational to see her return and have success at a high level,” said USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer. “We are proud to welcome Yani back once again to the US Women’s Open and add such an accomplished player to this year’s field.”