AUGUSTA (Ga.) — Rose Zhang completed the amateur grand final.
The No. 1 amateur in the world. The world’s No. 1 amateur wasn’t at her best on Saturday at Augusta National Golf Club, but she managed to win the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Zhang had a five-shot lead going into the final round, but she struggled to stay ahead in the final round. Stanford’s star sophomore made two-bogey on her first hole, and then sprayed her way through the course to score a 4-over 76.
This opened Bae’s door, who was six shots ahead of Zhang at the beginning of the day. After a three-hour delay due to weather, the Georgia fifth-year felt the support from the patrons and came out swinging after the delay. She made birdies on Nos. She made birdies on Nos. 9, 13, and 17, and avoided a bogey down to force a playoff against Zhang at 9 under.
Both players found fairway from the 18th hole, but Bae held the advantage on the green because Zhang’s approach shot hit a slope and missed the back pin. Bae’s birdie was not successful and Zhang was able lag putt her first to save par and extend the playoff to No. 10.
After Bae’s approach went way to the left under a pine straw tree, both players found the fairway from the tee. However, Zhang had the advantage on the green. Bae had to take two shots to find the green. Zhang was finally able to hit the pin with her putt, scoring par and winning the match.
Zhang won the U.S. Women’s Amateur 2020, U.S Girls’ Junior 2021, and U.S. Individual National Championship 2022 NCAA. Her win down Magnolia Lane will make her a legend among amateur golfers.
