Y.E. Yang, South Korea


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In a career spanning back almost two decades, South Korean professional golfer YE Yang has enjoyed notable success on the PGA Tour - where he has taken home two titles - which has seen him recognised among the biggest names in the world of golf.

The talented professional has also enjoyed a series of wins in other campaigns, including five on the Japan Golf Tour, as well as two further victories on the Asian Tour.

Yang - full name Yang Yong-eun - landed his most notable title at the 2009 PGA Championship, where he managed to take the hotly-contested trophy despite going up against 14-time major champion Tiger Woods at the event.

The then 37-year-old shook his fists and shouted with joy after taking the crown having only graduated from the PGA Tour qualifying school nine months earlier, becoming the first Asian-born player to capture a mature title with a series of spectacular strokes on the back nine of Hazeltine.

Yang managed to chip in from 60-feet for an eagle when he saw Woods in birdie range at the 14th hole, then hit the shot of his life with a 3-iron hybrid after a tree standing in the way of the flag on the 18th.

Clearing the bunker, the ball landed a mere 12-feet away from the cup, allowing the talented player to take the crown over the one of golf's biggest legends.

Born in the island province of Jeju-do in 1972, Yang is the fourth of eight children. He began his affiliation with the sport at the age of 19 while picking balls part time and later working as an instructor at the local Ora Country Club.

Although he now plays with teaching coaches, the South Korean is a self-taught competitor, who received inspiration after his brother recommended he try hitting balls at a local driving range.

When he reached the age of 21, Yang began his mandatory service in the military before moving to New Zealand and pursuing a career in professional golf.

More recently, Yang announced he is confident he will be able to deliver a successful performance at the upcoming Ballantine's Championship, despite having missed the cut in the last two editions of the prestigious tournament.

"I desperately want to win this tournament and I'm sure that all other Korean players will also want to give their best so that a foreign player does not take home the winning trophy again," he commented.

Career Wins:
Apr 2010 - Volvo China Open
Aug 2009 - PGA Championship
Mar 2009 - Honda Classic
Nov 2006 - HSBC Champions