A once-in-a generation talent will be preparing to do something on the LPGA that hasn’t happened since 1951.
Rose Zhang, a former Stanford star who just finished defending her 2023 NCAA Championship title 13 days prior to this week’s 2023 Mizuho Americas Open, is making her professional debut at the event and has a two shot lead heading into the final round.
Zhang shot a 6-under-66 on Saturday in Jersey City, New Jersey. He is now 11 under par, two shots ahead of Atthaya Thtikul (68), Aditi Asok (68) & Cheyenne Knight (71). Minjee Lee is fifth with 7 under.
It’s great to be there. “It just shows you have been playing well on the course for the past three days,” she said. Since this is my first professional week, I am learning as much as I can. “I’ll just be trying to learn what it’s like to be the last group tomorrow [Sunday], navigate my way throughout, and by the end of that day, I’m certain I’ll just be able, you know just to build my character.”
Zhang is only 18 holes from becoming a star on the LPGA.
The final round will be covered on Sunday, at 3:30 pm. Peacock will broadcast the final round live at 3:30 p.m. ET. Golf Channel will then take over coverage of the event starting at 5 p.m. ET.
What she would achieve
If she wins Sunday, Zhang will be able to accomplish an impressive list. She would be:
- The first player since Hinako Shbuno to win her first LPGA start at the 2019 AIG Women’s Open
- First LPGA player to win in her debut since Beverly Hanson, 1951
- Maja Stark, winner of the ISPS Handa World Invitational in 2022, is the first non-member LPGA member to win since that time.
- The fourth sponsor to win a LPGA event after Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson and Heekyung Seo.
Zhang would be able to earn official money as well as Race to CME Globe Points in the 2023 season if she wins.
