For Immediate Release
August 20, 2023
Xiaowen Yin Wins Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic after 36 round
Pendleton, Oregon – After a shortened tournament due to hazardous air quality conditions, Xiaowen Yin was presented with the championship trophy for the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic at Wildhorse Resort & Casino near Pendleton, Oregon.
In light of the prevailing and alarming levels of smoke that have enveloped the region, the final round for the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic, the 16th tournament on the Epson Tour, was canceled today. The decision was made with the utmost concern for the health and well-being of players, staff, volunteers, and attendees.
Having completed 36 holes of exciting competition, the remarkable Xiaowen Yin was awarded the championship trophy and a distinguished Native American beaded medallion during an award ceremony held at Wildhorse Golf Course. This recognition aptly celebrates her outstanding performance throughout the two-day event.
Playing in challenging weather conditions, Yin won the tournament with an impressive 12-under par after 36 holes. Yin scored 66 on both days, going into the final round with a three-shot lead and a healthy sense of confidence.
Yin played in the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic last year, tying for third place. She was the youngest player on the Epson Tour at the time.
The air quality index for the area, exceeding 330, has created an environment categorized as “Hazardous” according to LPGA AQI guidelines. In adherence to these guidelines, the rounds were necessitated to be either delayed, suspended, or, as regretfully was the case, canceled. This challenging decision was made following careful consultation and deliberation by the LPGA Rules Committee.
Despite tentative hopes of resuming play tomorrow, the forecast does not show significant improvement in air quality that is required for the safe continuation of the tournament.
“The safety of our athletes, volunteers, and staff is of the utmost importance,” said Epson Tour Chief Business and Operations Officer Jody Brothers. “I’m disappointed for the athletes, our tremendous sponsor Wildhorse Resort & Casino, and the fans who were here to see an exciting finish.”
While the unforeseen challenges have shortened this year’s Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic, the indomitable spirit of competition and camaraderie amongst players, as well as the ongoing support of sponsors and fans, serves as a testament to the success of this prestigious tournament.
About Wildhorse Resort & Casino:
Centrally situated between Boise, Spokane and Portland, Wildhorse Resort & Casino is a popular destination resort with entertainment for the entire family. Wildhorse features two 18-hole golf courses, 300 hotel rooms, slots, table games, movie theatres, bowling, arcade, a variety of restaurants, an RV park, and so much more. Conveniently located off I-84 at exit 216, the resort is an easy drive to enjoy entertainment like concerts, live comedy, pow wows, poker tournaments, parties, and conventions. Wildhorse offers over 1200 slots, all your favorite table games, live keno, and bingo. Just four miles east of Pendleton, Oregon Wildhorse is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Also visit Hamley & Co, a historic western store, café and steakhouse in the heart of downtown Pendleton.
About the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) is a union of three tribes: Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla. The CTUIR has over 3,100 tribal members. Nearly half reside on or near the Umatilla Reservation. The Umatilla Reservation is also home to another 300 members of other tribes and approximately 1,500 non-Indians. The Umatilla Indian Reservation is about 172,000 acres. The CTUIR is governed by a Constitution and by-laws adopted in 1949.
In 1855, the three tribes signed a treaty with the US government in which they ceded over 6.4 million acres to the United States. In the treaty, the tribes reserved rights to fish, hunt, gather foods and medicines and pasture livestock. Tribal Members continue to exercise these rights throughout the CTUIR’s area of traditional use.
About the Epson Tour
The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour, the world’s leading competitive destination for female professional golfers. With the support of entitlement partner Seiko Epson Corporation, the Tour, entering into its 43rd competitive season in 2023, aims to prepare the world’s best female professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. In the last decade, the Epson Tour has grown from 15 tournaments and $1.6 million in total prize money to hosting more than 20 events and awarding $5 million in 2023. With more than 600 graduates and alumnae moving on to the LPGA Tour, former Epson Tour players have won 466 LPGA titles.
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Media Contacts: Mary Liberty-Traughber, mary.liberty@wildhorseresort.com, 541-966-1628, Luke Otto, Content Producer, luke.otto@lpga.com, 734-560-5745
