The LPGA was desperate for this moment. Since ‘s prodigious Michelle Wie West, there hasn’t been an LPGA player with the same potential to change the game in the United States.
Ariya Jutanugarn became the first Thai to win a Major and climb to No. The world’s No. 1 player. In Thailand, her face appeared on a Gatorade container. But here in the U.S., it was never heard.
Ai Miyazato is as popular in Japan as Tiger Woods. Miyazato was the LPGA player who did the most media during her tour. However, this daily attention almost exclusively came from Japan. Yani Tseng was protected by the same security as Lady Gaga, when the LPGA first came to Taiwan. Lydia Ko’s young resume is impressive, but didn’t change the LPGA.
Even Inbee Park’s attempt to win a fourth major consecutively in a calendar year could not capture the attention from the golf media in America, let alone that of the wider sports scene.
Annika Sorenstam is the best player of the modern age. She won 46 times out of 124 LPGA starts between 2001 and 2006. Annika Sorenstam, the greatest player of our time, won 46 times in 124 LPGA starts between 2001 and 2006.
At the moment, there isn’t any LPGA player who is a household name among Americans. For a player to become a household brand, they must be known by people who don’t play golf. Wayne Gretzky is known to people who may not watch any hockey games in a given year. Many people have never read Stephen King, but they are familiar with his work. Serena Williams’ appearance at Wimbledon is enough to draw sports fans who might not have watched tennis the entire season.
You will recognize these names.
Wie West was a household name when she competed at LPGA events as a child, participated in PGA Tour competitions and attempted to qualify for majors for men. Wie West became a household name after she shared the stage with men, as Annika did in Colonial. She was magnetic.
Rose Zhang speaks at a press conference following her victory in a playoff against Jennifer Kupcho (not shown) of the United States in the final round Mizuho American Open held at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey on June 4, 2023. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images).
Zhang, 20 years old, has the best amateur golf record in modern times. Then, wins on the LPGA, in her debut as a professional. This is something that’s not been done since 1951. The week was surreal, according to all reports.
There’s much more to winning than just that. For female athletes to make even a small difference, they have to spend more time away from the ropes. Some American stars are not willing to spend this much time on the LPGA. Even at majors they often refuse to cooperate with the national media or their own organization. They even shut down the event after big wins rather than seize the moment. It hurts their brand and the growth of the entire tour.
Zhang’s arrival is a breath fresh air. Zhang has a unique perspective and she is genuinely excited about the work.
In today’s media environment, the LPGA cannot afford to have an unwilling star. The tour needs someone willing to grow the sport, but within reasonable limits. A person who is more likely to say yes than no, and does so with a smile.
It is important that the LPGA has a star who can connect with fans so that interest in the LPGA remains high, even when winnings slow down.
Zhang recognized her platform for the first time at 17 years old, when the younger players on the field of the AJGA Tournament Champions started asking for Zhang’s autograph.
Zhang said this during the winner’s conference of the Mizuho Americas Open on Sunday.
“It is important, I suppose, to be a positive presence for them, to be a role model. Your every move is watched to get inspiration. After college, I realized I had a large audience of people who were rooting for my success. They also wanted to be inspired by what I did, from my work ethic to how I relax and recover off the course.
It’s been going on for a while now.
It’s harder to dominate the LPGA now than it was in 1978 when Nancy Lopez won nine tournaments including five consecutive ones.
Zhang’s rookie season has become a must-see for golf fans. A group of men, who called themselves the “Rose Buds,” went crazy every time Zhang hit a shot. Zhang, who was smiling at the time, called it both funny and low-key embarrassing.
Many believed Mizuho’s Wie West could have a Tiger effect on the LPGA. However, she only won five career victories.
Zhang finished her media duties on Sunday evening in time to catch the ferry at 10 p.m. She then woke early the next morning for a guest appearance on NBC’s “Today Show”.
It’s time to move on to the major championships season. Zhang, a joyous player who is able to change the game of golf in a world where girls’ golf has become one of the fastest growing segments of the sport with an explosion of talent on the Tour.
The entire golf community should be rooting for her success.
