A few reasons why everyone loves women's World No. 1 Shanshan Feng

After her victory at the Blue Bay LGPA in January, Chinese golfing superstar Shanshan Feng rocketed to the top of the female golf leaderboard and became the first Chinese player to hold a world number one title. Need another reason to love her? Here’s a few…

She’s the first Chinese golfer to make a number one ranking
Not only is Feng part of a growing number of female golfers reaching the top, she’s also making records. Feng will be the first Chinese golfer, male or female, to hold a number one spot – and she’s understandably proud of her achievement.

‘I’m really, really excited,’ she said. ‘I hope all the Chinese are going to be watching me… hopefully, there will be more Chinese getting on the tours and more world number ones coming up from China.

She’s got a steadily growing list of wins
As well as the Blue Bay LGPA victory that secured her spot at the top of the women’s world leaderboard, Feng has plenty of other wins under her belt. She took home the crown at the LPGA Championship in 2012 with a two-stroke margin, and has ticked off multiple courses in the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour to boot.
  

She’s carrying the torch for young golfers
Take a look at Feng’s Twitter feed and you’ll see dozens of posts celebrating a recent round of golf with young women. Feng herself is only 28, but she’s making a name for herself by encouraging young women – especially young Chinese women – to take up golf.

She’s even partnered with the American Junior Golf Association to take her cause further. ‘Didn’t get a chance to play AJGA tournament in my teenage [years] but I’m so proud to be a partner with AJGA now! Have fun and play well girls!’ she tweeted last week.

She celebrated her record by ordering herself a steak
Feng was at Dallas Airport when she heard the news about her number one spot – through the congratulatory messages that started flooding her phone. Her first thought? Head to TGI Friday’s and order a steak.

‘I was trying to celebrate a little bit, you know, with the steak on my own,’ she said. ‘I took a picture of it and sent it to my dad and my mum. I was like, “I’m here, celebrating.”’

And her response to a reporter asking what she’d do if she won the LPGA final? ‘Maybe a bigger steak.’