Women golfers score big with fashion sense

To keep up with fashion trends, Sui follows nearly 100 beauty bloggers on the Twitter-like Sina Weibo. And with these resources she has learned how to choose suitable cosmetics.

"Normally, I spend half an hour on makeup in the morning." says Sui.

Shi Yuting, 20, has her own style reflected in her nick-name "China's golf sweetheart".

Speaking about her look, she says: "I prefer bright-colored clothes, because I want to appear sweet and lovely in public."

She also features in videos of YouTube beauty gurus Pony and shares beauty tips with her peers on the China LPGA tour.

Speaking about how looking after her appearance helps her golf, Shi, who likes pigtails, cute earrings and pink fingernails, says: "As it takes 5 hours or so for a single round, gussying up could give me a lift during the game.

"Also, I think it's necessary for a professional to appear well groomed and behave decently in public, as it adds glamour to the sport. Besides, fans can enjoy the sport without getting bored."

The appearance-conscious women golfers are a change from the past.

Reflecting on the new trend, Li Hong, the chairwoman of the China LPGA tour, says: "One of my friends once told me that it was easy to tell which player was from China because they didn't pay much attention to their clothes or appearance. But things have changed a lot since then. And now these Chinese players are keen on looking stylish."

Li says beautiful talented golfers impress global golf fans, and this is conducive to promoting the China-based tour.

She says the tour also offers training to Chinese professionals, teaching them how to behave appropriately in front of sponsors, cameras and audiences.

"They represent the image of our country on the international stage. That is why I focus on their appearance and ability."