The world of professional golf has seen a rise in talented players from China in recent years. As we look at the PGA Tour in 2024, several Chinese golfers have made their mark and are competing at the highest level. Let’s explore the top 10 Chinese professional golfers who are making waves on the PGA Tour this year.
1. Carl Yuan
Carl Yuan, also known as Yuan Yechun, has become a standout player on the PGA Tour. At 26 years old, Yuan has shown great promise with his unique swing and strong mental game. He first gained attention when he competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, representing China. Yuan’s journey to the PGA Tour began on the PGA Tour China in 2018, where he won the Qingdao Championship. He then moved to the Korn Ferry Tour, where he had several top-three finishes. In 2022, Yuan won the Chitimacha Louisiana Open, which helped secure his spot on the PGA Tour. Known for his distinctive style and follow-through, Yuan has become a fan favorite. His consistent performances have earned him a place among the top golfers from China.
2. Marty Dou
Marty Dou, whose full name is Dou Zecheng, is another rising star in Chinese golf. Dou has been playing on the PGA Tour with limited status, but his skills continue to improve. He first made headlines when he became the youngest player to win on the PGA Tour China Series in 2014 at just 17 years old. Dou’s journey to the PGA Tour has been filled with ups and downs, but his determination has kept him in the game. He continues to work on his skills and aims to secure a full PGA Tour card in the coming seasons.
3. Xinjun Zhang
Xinjun Zhang has been a trailblazer for Chinese golf on the PGA Tour. He became the first player from mainland China to earn a PGA Tour card through the Web.com Tour (now known as the Korn Ferry Tour) in 2017. Zhang’s story is one of perseverance. He started playing golf as a security guard at a golf course in China and worked his way up to become a professional player. His journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring golfers in China.
4. Haotong Li
Although Haotong Li has been playing more on the European Tour (now known as the DP World Tour), he has made appearances on the PGA Tour and continues to be one of China’s top golfers. Li made history in 2016 when he became the first Chinese player to feature in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. Li’s biggest achievement came in 2018 when he won the Dubai Desert Classic, beating Rory McIlroy. His strong performances in major championships have made him a well-known name in international golf.
5. Ashun Wu
Ashun Wu has been a trailblazer for Chinese golf on various tours. He was the first Chinese player to win on the Japan Golf Tour and has also found success on the European Tour. While Wu has not been a regular on the PGA Tour, his achievements in global golf make him one of China’s top professionals. Wu’s consistent performances and multiple wins on the European Tour have earned him invitations to play in PGA Tour events. His experience on different tours around the world makes him a versatile and skilled player.
6. Yuxin Lin
Yuxin Lin is one of the youngest players on this list but has already shown great potential. He won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship twice, in 2017 and 2019, which earned him invitations to play in the Masters Tournament and The Open Championship. Lin turned professional in 2021 and has been working his way up through various tours. While he’s still establishing himself on the PGA Tour, his amateur achievements and early professional performances suggest a bright future in golf.
7. Wenyi Ding
Wenyi Ding is a newcomer to professional golf, having just turned pro in 2024. However, his amateur career was so impressive that he’s already being watched closely on the PGA Tour. Ding won the 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, becoming the first male Chinese golfer to win a USGA championship. Ding’s decision to turn professional came after he topped the inaugural Global Amateur Pathway Ranking. This earned him an exemption to play on the DP World Tour in 2025, but he’s already making appearances in PGA Tour events.
8. Andy Zhang
Andy Zhang made headlines in 2012 when he became the youngest player ever to compete in the U.S. Open at just 14 years old. Now in his mid-20s, Zhang has been working his way through the professional ranks. While Zhang hasn’t yet secured a full PGA Tour card, he continues to play in qualifying events and on developmental tours. His early exposure to high-level golf and continued dedication make him a player to watch in Chinese golf.
9. Bai Zhengkai
Bai Zhengkai, also known as Bobby Bai, has been making strides in professional golf. He played college golf in the United States and has been competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, aiming to earn his PGA Tour card. Bai’s strong performances on the Korn Ferry Tour have earned him opportunities to play in PGA Tour events. His consistent improvement suggests that he could soon become a regular on the main tour.
10. Jin Cheng
Jin Cheng rounds out our list of top Chinese golfers. He won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in 2015, which earned him a spot in the 2016 Masters Tournament. Since turning professional, Jin has been competing on various tours around the world. While Jin is still working towards securing a full PGA Tour card, his experiences playing at Augusta National and in other high-profile events have prepared him well for a career in professional golf.
Conclusion
These ten golfers represent the growing strength of Chinese golf on the world stage. From established players like Carl Yuan and Marty Dou to rising stars like Wenyi Ding, Chinese golfers are making their presence felt on the PGA Tour. The success of these players is inspiring a new generation of golfers in China. With more young players taking up the sport and improved training facilities across the country, we can expect to see even more Chinese talent on the PGA Tour in the coming years.