From the beginning, Shanshan Feng set a limit of playing only 10 years on the LPGA. Simply getting there was a battle given that no Chinese player had ever earned an LPGA card.
The Covid-19 pandemic extended Feng’s career as the Tokyo Olympics were pushed back but, ultimately, her retirement announcement last week was expected.
“I don’t want to just be a player for all my life,” said the 33-year-old trailblazer and 10-time winner on the LPGA.
A slimmed-down Feng was her usual funny self as she met with U.S. media over a Zoom call last Monday. After she talked about missing American buffalo wings and pepperoni pizza, she said she might order a pie after the call.
Being able to act on a whim is one of the great perks of retirement. Feng has recently enjoyed the luxury of not setting an alarm and impromptu spa days. She hasn’t touched her golf clubs since last September.
“As everybody knows, Shanshan is a happy person, and never push myself too hard,” she said. “I think life is great, and I just want to enjoy life, whatever I’m doing.”
To celebrate one of the great characters in the game who inspired countless Chinese players to follow in her footsteps, here’s a list of significant Feng firsts: