Shan Shan Feng Current Leader at World Ladies Championship

Written by: Catherine Gunnarsson

This week, China is being host to its First World Ladies Championship at Mission Hills Hainan's Vintage Course located in Southern China. This Championship, co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and China LPGA Tour, is very unique because it features a three-in-one competition with players competing as both individuals and in teams, playing for the pride of their country. 

The Championship was kicked-off on Thursday with a grand opening ceremony on picturesque Hainan Island, celebrating its first World Ladies Championship. For the Championship there is a total of 108 players, from countries all around the world. 

Former Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (HHIJGA) Student, Shan Shan Feng from Guangzhou, China, is currently tied for the lead after firing a first round of six under-par 66 to be one shot ahead of four other players. Feng is only 22 years old and is already ranked as the No. 12 player in the World.

After the round Feng said: "The course condition is much better than in the practice round. Distance isn't a problem. i used the short irons to the greens. For par 5's, I need two or three shorts to make the green which gives me good birdie opportunities." In the team competition Feng is paired with Yiying Ye and is currently at the top of the team leader board at 10-under-par. 

Another former HHIJGA Student, Amelia Lewis from Jacksonville, FL., is currently even par, which puts her in being tied for 35th place. In her first year as a professional she was the 2010 Champion of the Suncoast Lake Whales Country Club, finished second at the 2010 Alliance Bank Golf Classic on the Symetra Tour - Road to the LPGA. In 2011, her best finish was a tie for 29th at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup.  

Our current HHIJGA Student, Yi Chen Liu from Taiwan, is currently leading the individual amateur race at two under par 70. In Liu's first round she was one of the first players to tee off in a humid condition while in the afternoon it was more breezy. The battle of the amateur title is featuring eight young players, where Liu is currently one stroke ahead of 14-year-old Lydia Ko from New Zeeland. 

To stay updated on the scores after each round from the World Championship, follow our Twitter Account@HHIJGA or go to the Ladies European Tour website.