At just 25 years old, Angel Yin has already made a significant mark on the LPGA Tour. With her powerful game and charismatic personality, she is a three-time Solheim Cup star who continues to make waves in the world of golf. Recently, Yin has demonstrated resilience and determination as she returns to form after battling an ankle injury. Her recent performances, including top-10 finishes at the AIG Women’s Open and the Buick LPGA Shanghai, signal that she’s hitting her stride just in time.
But beyond the fairways and scorecards, Yin’s story resonates with a deeper narrative, one that underscores the importance of pursuing hobbies outside of sports. In a field often dominated by intense competition and the relentless pursuit of excellence, having interests beyond the sport you play — in her case, golf — can offer athletes a vital escape and a chance to recharge mentally. Research shows that leisure time activities, especially organized leisure time activities (OLTA), are linked to healthy developmental outcomes, which are important for amateur, collegiate, and professional athletes.
Having Hobbies
For Yin, one of her favorite pastimes is going to escape rooms, which helps her unwind from the pressures of professional golf. In an interview with Ladies European Tour (LET), she said, “When I’m not competing, I try to relax. I’m a bit obsessed with escape rooms.”
This passion not only provides her with a fun escape from golf but also enhances her critical thinking and teamwork skills — qualities that are invaluable on the golf course. “My friends and I did three back-to-back right after I landed in LA from Boston. It’s a bit extreme, but it’s fun since I don’t get to see my friends often!” she said.
“When I’m not competing, I try to relax. I’m a bit obsessed with escape rooms.”
Finding Balance
Balancing the demands of a professional athletic career with personal interests can be challenging, but it’s essential for athletes like Yin. Hobbies help athletes express themselves outside their sport, offering a much-needed balance that can improve mental health and overall well-being.
As she prepared for the beginning of the 2024 season, Yin reflected on the growth of women’s golf and the increasing support for the sport. “Any support for women’s golf is great. We want more attention and investment in what I believe is a great market,” she said.
Yin’s journey and dedication to her craft exemplify the resilience and drive that many women athletes possess. As Yin gears up for a high-stakes tournament, where she will compete alongside fellow golfers like Ruoning Yin and Xiyu Lin, she approaches the competition with optimism, focusing on her recovery and newfound confidence. “I’m definitely more confident now compared to a few months ago,” she admits, eager to showcase her skills and maybe even clinch another title.
Beyond the Scoreboard
While Yin's professional journey has been marked by impressive victories and noteworthy challenges, it’s her ability to embrace life beyond golf that truly sets her apart. In a world where athletes are often defined solely by their performance, Yin’s commitment to maintaining her identity outside the sport not only enriches her life but also serves as a beacon for aspiring women athletes everywhere. Even as she prepares for Round 5 of the Aramco Team Series in Riyadh, Yin still makes time to engage in hobbies that spark joy and foster personal growth.
Finding balance with our identities outside of sport are crucial if we want to thrive both on and off the course or the field. It’s not just about the titles we’ve won or the scores we’ve achieved; it’s about the life lived in between those moments. With her unwavering spirit, Yin continues to inspire a new generation of women in sports to pursue their passions.