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.

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

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