Newly-retired Shanshan Feng discusses barrier-breaking career

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:

First Chinese player to earn an LPGA card

Shanshan Feng of China chats with the media after the final round of the 2007 LPGA Qualifying Tournament at LPGA International on December 2, 2007 in Daytona Beach, Florida (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Feng came to the U.S. in February of 2007 to attend the IJGA Academy and work with instructor Gary Gilchrist. She earned her card that December with a ninth-place finish at Q-School, becoming the first player from China to earn exempt status on tour. Another 18-year-old and future No. 1, Yani Tseng, was part of the same class.

“I was really nervous because I’m a young one here,” said Feng, known as “Jenny” to her friends.

First Chinese player to win an LPGA event (and a major!)

Shanshan Feng of China poses with the trophy on the 18th green after her two-stroke victory at the Wegmans LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club on June 10, 2012 in Pittsford, New York. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

In 2012, Feng broke through with her first LPGA title, which happened to be a major at what’s now known as the KPMG Women’s PGA. She’d go on to win 10 LPGA titles over the course of her career.

“I…