Yang Tames Tiger, Claims PGA Title in Huge Upset

It was a miraculous victory nobody could have predicted.

Y.E. Yang, nicknamed “son of the wind” for performing well in windy conditions, pulled off the biggest upset in men’s golf this season by beating Tiger Woods yesterday for the PGA Championship in Chaska, Minnesota.

The 37-year-old Korean shot a two under-70 in the final round to go eight under-280 overall, beating Woods by three shots at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

Yang was born to a poor family on Jeju Island, and overcame many hardships to become the first Korean and Asian-born player to win a men’s major. In addition to making PGA history, he also pocketed 1.35 million U.S. dollars in prize money.

He played the final round wearing white pants and a white T-shirt, a color that traditionally symbolizes the Korean people. He stayed cool under pressure, and his stunning eagle on the 14th hole caused him to pump his fist as if to express his confidence in victory.

Woods had gone 14-0 when leading entering the final round, but Yang played the tournament of his life to hold off golf’s giant.

Yang also won his second PGA tournament of the season after taking the Honda Classic in March.

kjs0123@donga.com