The LPGA returns to Beijing, China for the Reignwood LPGA Classic this year after its inaugural premiere in 2013 where GGGA pro and Gilchrist student Shanshan Feng emerged victorious after a sensational finish.
Shanshan, currently ranked No. 9 in the OWGR, approached last year’s Reignwood Classic with a drive to outperform her competition, and on her final hole, while trailing the leader by one shot, she was able to deliver an unexpected second shot that was perfectly in line with the pin and even managed to bounce off the flag.
Shanshan, who has amassed 11 professional wins under her guidance with Gilchrist, was unaware of how close she had gotten until the grandstands erupted in an uproarious applause, and she was able to quickly tap in for an eagle for her first LPGA tour victory in Beijing.
Later Shanshan rated this moment as her best swing throughout her professional golfing career. “I never thought I would shoot the second shot so close that I could make eagle,” Feng said.
This year Shanshan will have another chance to perform in front of her native country, and hopes to achieve consecutive victories and possibly beat her four round record of 266.
Shanshan was the first Chinese player to earn a win on the LPGA but her chances for a repeat of last year and the $310,000 first place title at Reignwood is stiff, as Shanshan will compete against the two top rated players in the world- Stacy Lewis and Inbee Park.
“I had a wonderful tournament last year. I played so well and won the championship.” Feng said. “Coming here I don’t have any specific expectation in myself. (Though) I feel a little pressure, of course.
ABOUT GGGA
The Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy, located near Orlando, FL in Howey in the Hills, is the world’s premier junior golf academy. In addition to the junior golf program, GGGA also features summer golf camps, winter golf camps and programs, training and golf lessons for amateurs, professionals and adults.
The Academy is committed to excellence in every facet of golf, fitness, personal development and academics, evident through exclusive relationships with Montverde Academy, an acclaimed private college preparatory school, and the American Junior Golf Association.
Gary Gilchrist, founder of the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy, has been recognized as a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher 2013-2014 and as a Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher in America 2012-2013 and 2014-2015. Gilchrist teaches many of the games top juniors and pros at the Academy, including Morgan Hoffmann, Shanshan Feng, Fabrizio Zanotti and many more.
