Shanshan Feng Thanks Lydia Ko For Win at Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia

Shanshan Feng’s win in Malaysia last season? It’s all thanks to Lydia Ko.

“I have to say thanks to Lydia, because I think she decided she’s making too much money so last year she let me have the chance to win. So thank you very much,” Feng told a laughing and applauding media on Tuesday in Malaysia.

Ko finished T-8 in her debut last season at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, but in all seriousness it was Feng’s final round 63 that earned her the title. She went 6-under on the back nine on Sunday, including a dramatic eagle on the 16^th hole to shoot a final round 63 to win by three strokes. Memories of that special round came flooding back for Feng during this week’s practice round.

“I just played nine holes before I came in, and I played the back nine,” said Feng on Tuesday. “So while I was playing I was like, ‘Oh I made this putt last year.’ The next putt I’m like, ‘I hit it there last year.’ I am trying to do the same thing, trying to find the good memories from last year.”

Her victory in Malaysia was the culmination of a goal she set last year and set out to achieve again this season. For the four-time winner on the LPGA Tour, her goals have become bolder as she’s continued to win year after year.

“I set a goal to win three years ago I think, and then two years ago I said, okay, I want to win twice, and then I did it. So last year I said ok, I want to win three times, but then I was kind of pushing myself a little bit,” said Feng earlier this season. “My dad said to me, he said, you had just won three years in a row on the LPGA, which is very good already, so just set a goal to win, that’s it.”

Despite 10 top-10 finishes in 2015, Feng has yet to reach her goal of winning this season. Feng has played some great golf of late, coming off a third place finish at the Evian Championship in her last start on the LPGA Tour and a tie for sixth at last week’s Japan Women’s Open. Having never finished outside the top-19 in Malaysia, Feng has plenty of good memories to pull from in search of her first win this weekend.

“I just love Malaysia. I love to come every year. This year is a little bit different because I’m the defending champion, but I’m not going to give myself any pressure because I just want to enjoy this week just like I used to.”

Perhaps Feng will again be thanking Ko this Sunday.