Image Credit: Hunter Knarr/Epson Tour
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — In a stunning display of mental fortitude and clutch performance, 19-year-old rookie Yana Wilson battled back from a devastating early stumble to claim her second victory of the season at the Dream First Bank Charity Classic. Her win at Buffalo Dunes Golf Course not only earned her the trophy but also mathematically locked in her LPGA Tour card for the 2026 season.
Wilson, who was celebrating her birthday during the tournament, entered the final round three shots off the lead. Her day took a dramatic and unexpected turn on the par-3 fourth hole, where she recorded a triple bogey that could have derailed her entire round. Instead, the moment became a catalyst for an incredible comeback. She quickly recovered with eight birdies on the day to post a final-round 5-under 67, finishing the tournament at 11-under 205.
In a statement after her victory, Wilson reflected on the turning point of her round. “I learned that it was pretty freaking cool to, you know, have a triple and then come back with eight birdies,” Wilson said. “I’ve never once done that in my life, and I haven’t had a triple in forever, so it was actually pretty nice to see how well I could bounce back.”
The Race for the Card & The Path to the LPGA
Wilson’s win is a significant milestone, as she is the first rookie to secure two wins this season on the Epson Tour. The victory vaulted her to the top of the Race for the Card standings, where the top 15 players at the end of the year earn their LPGA Tour membership. With the win, she has officially earned enough points to guarantee her spot among that elite group.
The prospect of joining the LPGA Tour is a career-defining achievement, but Wilson made it clear that her goals extend beyond just earning her card. “It feels pretty cool,” she said. “There’s still more work to be done. I have other goals in mind that I want to achieve, so, you know, job not done.”
The win earned Wilson a winner’s check of $30,000, pushing her season earnings to more than $108,000. Her consistent play throughout her rookie campaign has resulted in a tour-best nine top-10 finishes in just 16 starts.
A Competitive Field and the Buffalo Dunes Test
Wilson’s victory came against a strong and resilient field. Both Daniela Iacobelli and Trichat Cheenglab delivered solid final rounds, with both players carding a 4-under 68 to finish in a tie for second place at 9-under. However, they were unable to match Wilson’s final-round charge.
The tournament also highlighted the progress of other players. Former second-round leader Brooke Rivers had a difficult final day, while players like Amari Avery, a sophomore on the Epson Tour, recorded her first top-10 finish of the season.
The Buffalo Dunes Golf Course, a public course known for its challenging conditions and wide-open landscape, proved to be a difficult test for the entire field. The course’s long history of hosting the event added to the excitement of the competition.
The Epson Tour will now take a two-week break before resuming action with the Guardian Championship in Prattville, Alabama. For Wilson, the pressure of earning her LPGA card is now off, allowing her to focus on finishing her season strong and preparing for her future on the world’s most prestigious women’s golf tour.
