Known as a "scholar-athlete" to many fans, Chinese golfer Wang Xinying claimed the women's individual bronze medal at the 15th National Games, adding another highlight to her career that has long been shaped by determination both on and off the course.

Wang Xinying weighs up her options during the third round of the women's golf team event at China's 15th National Games in Hong Kong, on Nov. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Wang first drew wide attention in 2014, when the then-15-year-old earned a spot at the Incheon Asian Games through a competitive selection process and helped China win bronze in the women's team event.

"I've played golf for 18 years, but the Asian Games bronze I won at 15 carries the greatest weight in my heart," she said. "It gave me enormous confidence and encouragement, and it helped me keep going all these years."

Wang was enrolled in Duke University in 2017, majoring in public policy and psychology while representing the school's team in NCAA. In 2019, she helped Duke capture the NCAA team championship.

"I had dreamed of attending a top university since I was young," she said. "I may not be exceptionally smart, but I've always enjoyed studying. Learning brings me joy, and focusing on my coursework gave me a strong sense of achievement."

Balancing academics and sport proved challenging.

"There's a saying in universities that students need to balance study, social and sleep to have a good college experience," she said. "But student-athletes have another S, which means sport."

"Professors don't give you any concessions because you're an athlete representing the school. To complete what is essential, study and sport, we sacrificed social life first, and then a lot of sleep," she added.

Her days at Duke followed a demanding cycle. "Training, attending class, competing, completing assignments, that was my university life," she said.

Still, Wang believes her academic background has supported her golf career. "Psychology, though mostly theoretical at the undergraduate level, helped me understand how the brain works and how neural signals function, which provided some inspiration during training."

After turning professional following graduation in 2020, Wang began her career on the China LPGA Tour, winning multiple titles. In 2025, her rookie year on the LPGA, she captured a breakthrough title at the FM Championship, defeating world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand by one stroke.

With the win, Wang became the third woman from the Chinese mainland to earn an LPGA trophy, following Feng Shanshan and Yin Ruoning. "I hope this is just the beginning," she said. "My goal on the LPGA Tour is to reach my full potential and compete against the best players in the world."

Her ambitions continue to rise. "If I have two goals I want to chase next, one is to win a major championship, and the other is to represent China at the Olympic Games," she said.