C. T. Pan Bio
Pan Cheng-tsung, known professionally as C. T. Pan, is a Taiwanese professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour. Born on 12 November 1991 in Miaoli County, Taiwan, Pan made history by becoming the second Taiwanese golfer to clinch a victory on the PGA Tour. He has made notable appearances representing Taiwan in prestigious golf tournaments, including the Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal in 2020. Pan played college golf at the University of Washington and turned professional in 2015, with multiple wins under his belt, showcasing his talent on different tours.
Early Life and Background
Pan Cheng-tsung was born in Miaoli County, Taiwan, on 12 November 1991. He grew up in a household closely tied to golf, as his father worked as a caddie and introduced him to the game at a young age. His father passed away in 2010, a loss that shaped Pan’s determination to pursue the sport professionally. Standing 5 ft 7 in tall, Pan developed his early game in Taiwan before seeking higher-level training abroad.
Before enrolling at the University of Washington, Pan attended the IMG Golf Academy for three years, where he sharpened his skills and gained exposure to competitive golf. This period of structured training helped lay the foundation for his successful college career and future transition to the professional ranks. His time at IMG also gave him valuable experience competing against top young talent from around the world.
Path to Professional Golf
Pan played college golf at the University of Washington, where he won eight events during his collegiate career. His consistent performance earned him national recognition, and in 2013, he was ranked the number one amateur golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for eight weeks. These achievements established him as one of the most promising amateur players of his generation.
As an amateur, Pan represented Taiwan at the 2006 Eisenhower Trophy and returned for the 2014 edition of the same tournament. He also won two gold medals at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, one in individual play and another in the team event. These international successes gave him the confidence and credentials to move into the professional game.
C. T. Pan Career
Early Career (2015-2016)
C. T. Pan turned professional in 2015 and quickly made his mark on PGA Tour Canada, earning his first professional victory at The Players Cup on 12 July 2015. That win came in just his fourth tournament as a pro and his second start on PGA Tour Canada. Later that year, he tied for 14th at the final stage of the Web.com Tour qualifying tournament, which set up his move to the developmental circuit.
In 2016, Pan played the Web.com Tour full-time and finished 11th in season earnings, a strong result that secured him a PGA Tour card for the 2017 season. That same year, he was one of two local golfers to make the cut at the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, finishing tied for 64th. His steady play across these early professional stops signaled his readiness for the top level.
PGA Tour Breakthrough (2017-2019)
Pan began his PGA Tour career in 2017, competing in 29 events and recording three top-10 finishes, with a tie for second at the Farmers Insurance Open as his best result. He earned $1,267,649 in official money and finished 88th in the FedEx Cup standings, a respectable debut season that helped him retain his card. The following year, he posted two more top-10s, including a runner-up finish at the Wyndham Championship, and climbed to 35th in the FedEx Cup standings.
The defining moment of Pan’s career came on 21 April 2019, when he won the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The victory made him only the second Taiwanese golfer to win on the PGA Tour, following Chen Tze-chung’s win at the 1987 Los Angeles Open. Later that December, he represented the International team at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, where he posted a 2-1-0 record.
PGA Tour Continued Success (2020-2021)
In 2020, Pan made his first appearance at the Masters Tournament and tied for seventh, closing with a final-round 68 at Augusta National. The strong showing highlighted his ability to compete on the biggest stages in the sport. He continued his consistent form across the PGA Tour schedule throughout the year.
Pan earned a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in August 2021, finishing at 15-under par. After shooting a 3-over in the opening round, he rallied with strong play down the stretch and secured the medal with a par on the fourth extra hole of a tiebreaker. The Olympic bronze added a major international achievement to his professional resume.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his PGA Tour win, Pan’s career milestones include two gold medals at the 2014 Asian Games, a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and a selection to the 2019 Presidents Cup International team. His rise to 47th in the Official World Golf Ranking in June 2019 marked the highest ranking of his career to that point. These accomplishments have cemented his place as one of Taiwan’s most accomplished golfers.
C. T. Pan Career Wins
Across his professional career, C. T. Pan has recorded three verified wins spanning PGA Tour Canada, the Web.com Tour, and the PGA Tour. His first professional victory came on PGA Tour Canada in 2015, and he added further success on the developmental circuit before claiming his lone PGA Tour title at the 2019 RBC Heritage. These wins reflect a steady progression from the minor leagues to the top tier of professional golf.
PGA Tour Highlights
Pan has one PGA Tour victory, captured at the 2019 RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. That win was a breakthrough moment, as it made him the second Taiwanese golfer ever to win on the PGA Tour. He has also recorded multiple top-10 finishes in major championships, including a tie for seventh at the 2020 Masters Tournament.
Other Wins and Performances
On PGA Tour Canada, Pan won The Players Cup in July 2015, his first professional title. He also earned a second win on the circuit, giving him two victories at that level before moving on. Additionally, as an amateur, he claimed two gold medals at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, one individual and one team title.
C. T. Pan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
C. T. Pan was raised in Miaoli County, Taiwan, where his father worked as a caddie and introduced him to the game of golf. His father passed away in 2010, a turning point that motivated Pan to pursue the sport with even greater focus. The family’s deep connection to the game shaped his early development and lifelong dedication to golf.
Personal Life
Pan is married to Michelle Lin, who briefly served as his caddie during his professional career. The couple resides in Bellevue, Washington, where Pan has been based during his time competing on the PGA Tour. He is currently caddied by Mike Cowan, widely known in the golf world as Fluff.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, C. T. Pan continued to compete on the PGA Tour, drawing on the experience of his 2019 RBC Heritage win and his bronze medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics. His career-best world ranking of 47, achieved in June 2019, set a high benchmark for his ongoing campaign. With years of consistent play across the PGA Tour, he remained a respected presence in international fields.
Pan brought a steady, accurate game to the 2025 schedule, leaning on the precision that had defined much of his career. His major-championship resume, highlighted by a T7 at the 2020 Masters, provided a strong foundation for his expectations at the year’s biggest events. He continued to balance tournament play with his personal life in Bellevue, Washington.
Looking ahead, Pan aimed to add to his three professional wins and pursue another strong showing in the FedEx Cup standings. With his Olympic medal and Presidents Cup experience behind him, he entered 2025 motivated to build on his legacy as one of Taiwan’s most accomplished golfers.