Shanshan Feng becomes China’s first World No.1
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Shanshan Feng has become China’s first World No.1 golfer (male or female) after successfully claiming back to back victories at the Blue Bay LPGA and Japan Classic.
The 28-year-old made her history defining moment in her native China, closing out the Blue Bay LPGA event with a final-round of 70 and becoming the first player to claim successive victories this season on tour.
Feng picked up her 9th PGA Tour title by a single shot over runner-up Moriya Jutanugarn, whose birdie putt lipped out on the final hole, leaving Feng to sink her par putt for victory.
“I was a little bit nervous, even shivering,” Feng said of that final putt. “And once that was in and I was the champion, I was so delighted.”
“I’m really, really excited and very proud of myself and I think it’s special because I won this tournament to become world No 1.”
“I finished first in China, so I actually claimed the world No. 1 in front of all the people at home. So I’m really happy about that, and I hope all the Chinese are going to be watching me and the Chinese can play golf. Hopefully there will be more Chinese getting on the tours and more world No. 1s coming up from China.”
“I just want 2017 to keep going. A never-ending 2017, that would be great.”
Not only does she claim the top spot in the World rankings, but Feng has now moved in to third position in the LPGA Tour standings ahead of next seasons finale – where any of the top five will be crowned the Race to CME Globe champion and win the $1million bonus prize with a victory.
Lexi Thompson occupies the current top spot, while former World No.1 Sung Hyun Park holds 2nd position after finishing in a share for third on Sunday with Jessica Korda, Ashleigh Buhai and Megan Khang.
