I just want to show the fans my big smile and play the game that

Hear the heartfelt words of Yani Tseng, a champion who once stood at the very summit of women’s golf: “I just want to show the fans my big smile and play the game that I love.” Simple though they may appear, these words carry a wisdom that echoes across time. For in them she reveals the essence of true greatness—not the hunger for fame, nor the weight of trophies, but the desire to live with joy, to remain faithful to one’s passion, and to share that joy with others.

The origin of this truth lies in Tseng’s own journey. She rose swiftly, conquering tournaments and becoming the youngest player, male or female, to win five major championships. And yet, in the midst of fierce competition and global recognition, she held to the purity of her calling: to smile, and to play the game she loved. For what good is mastery without joy? What meaning has victory if it does not uplift the heart? In these words, Tseng reminds us that achievement is not an end in itself, but a pathway to express gratitude, love, and connection with those who watch.

History has known others who lived by this creed. Consider the great Pelé, whose brilliance on the soccer field inspired millions. Beyond his goals and trophies, what people remembered most was his radiant smile, his obvious delight in the game. He did not only play to win—he played to share his joy with the world. Like Tseng, his gift was not just in skill but in spirit, in showing that the heart of sport is not domination but celebration.

The meaning of Tseng’s words is both personal and universal. Every human being, whether athlete or artisan, worker or dreamer, is given passions, loves, gifts that awaken the spirit. When we pursue them with joy, when we share them generously, we elevate not only ourselves but those who behold us. The smile becomes a symbol—it says, I am where I belong; I am alive in what I do. Tseng’s big smile is not mere courtesy to fans; it is a beacon, showing that her heart remains anchored in love rather than burdened by pressure.

Her teaching also holds a warning. Many have pursued their callings only to be consumed by ambition, forgetting the simple love that drew them to begin. There is no greater tragedy than the artist who no longer enjoys painting, the musician who no longer loves their song, the athlete who plays without joy. Tseng reminds us to guard our love for our craft, to return always to the heart, to keep alive the flame that first called us forward.

The lesson for us is clear: whatever path we walk, let it be walked with joy. Let us not labor only for gain, for titles, for applause, but for the love of the journey itself. Let us remember to smile—not falsely, but from the deep well of gratitude within us. For it is this spirit that inspires others, far more than our accomplishments alone.

Practical action must follow. Each day, ask yourself: Am I still smiling in the work I do? Do I still love the game, the craft, the path I have chosen? If the answer is no, seek to return to that first joy, or dare to find a new one. And when you engage with others—whether fans, friends, or strangers—share your smile as a gift. It may lift them more than you know.

Thus the teaching is sealed: skill may win trophies, but joy wins hearts. Yani Tseng, with her smile and her love of the game, reminds us that true greatness is not measured in victories alone, but in the ability to remain joyful, grateful, and generous. So let us live as she teaches: to smile greatly, to love deeply, and to play—always play—the game that makes our hearts come alive.