JERSEY CITY (New Jersey) – William Knauth was on the first tee when Rose Zhang hit her first shot, a beautiful one down the first Hole at Liberty National. Knauth, who is now pursuing a PhD in statistics at Columbia University, New York City marveled at Zhang’s consistency as they walked the 18 holes together. Knauth was the only Division III golfer to win the Byron Nelson Award in the past year. He played his first professional event at the AT&T Byron Nelson last month.
Why was Knauth at the tee 8:43 am?
He said that Rose Zhang would only get one pro-round and he wanted to be there to prove it.
Many people believe that the Mizuho Americas Open’s opening round could be the beginning of one of LPGA’s greatest careers. Zhang’s 2-under-70 first round, which was capped off by a birdie at the 18th, could have been so much more. Lauren Hartlage leads the field with a 7-under 65 and Zhang is currently in the top 10.
Zhang described her debut as “moderately informal”, which is in line with the style of a player like Zhang who prefers to keep it simple. She was thankful for an early tee-time so she could settle her nerves and get right into her routine.
She hugged Stanford Coach Anne Walker, then walked to the first tee. Tournament host Michelle Wie West was in the bleachers filming Zhang’s opening shot. The Cardinal cheered loudest for a Cardinal who can rock the women’s sport much like she did 20 years ago. Wie West said that Zhang should go out and “do herself.”
Zhang said, “I was surprised to see people there.” It’s still early in the morning. Thursday. I didn’t expect anyone out here to say, “Oh, Rose, go!”
“I suppose there’s a lot of meaning to this round for me, but I just felt loved out there.” “I think that everyone, each putt, every shot I hit got lots of cheers and claps.”
Zhang, the most decorated player in amateur history of modern times, made her first professional birdie on the second-hole when she hit an 8-footer. Did it register?
She said, “No, absolutely not. As a golfer you know there are so many other holes that you can birdie one hole, then triple on the next.”
“I’m keeping everything in perspective, keeping things real, and I felt like I was pretty composed there.”
Rose Zhang drives off the fourth tee in the first round at the Mizuho Americas Open Golf Tournament, Thursday, 1 June 2023, Liberty National Golf Course, Jersey City, N.J.
Zhang was 3 under par through six holes. She cooled down a little in the middle part of the round. Zhang’s first misfire of the day came on the par-5 thirteenth hole, where she hit into a fairway bunker. She hit her third shot to the right of green after wedgeing out. Zhang was shocked when she saw her chip in for a birdie from 29 yards.
However, the adrenaline rush didn’t last long as a series of missed short shots on the greens resulted in back-to-back double bogeys, and an emotional heartbreaker at the 16th.
Zhang, known for her extraordinary ability to self-correct, said: “I found out I had two putter yips.”
She said, “I was pushing a bit my putts today.” “I didn’t have a confident stroke so it felt jabby.” It’s something you can work on at the practice green.”
Rose stands on the 14th tee, checking her yardage with Lady Liberty. What a cool moment. pic.twitter.com/YxG0iRXg4G
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) June 1, 2023
Walker reported that Zhang slept well the entire time he flew from Palo Alto to the east last week. After that historic week of competition in the desert, Zhang had a hectic stretch. She celebrated her birthday, completed Stanford homework, and announced that she would be turning professional.
The weekend was filled with sponsor photo shoots, followed by three media hours on Tuesday. Zhang looked and sounded fresh, but she took it all in her stride.
Just chit chatting after a nice day on the golf course
pic.twitter.com/9VcYPdOgPS
Will (@freewilllyyyyy) 1 June 2023
Zhang’s hype is real. And with the New York City skyline visible from every corner of Liberty National, it’s hard not to think about how desperately the LPGA needs an American star who can transcend mainstream sports. A star that will be able to handle the responsibilities of a full-time tour.
Zhang made her first professional step towards that potential on a perfect day in front of Lady Liberty.
Zhang said, “I genuinely believe that people treat me like a normal person.” They “treat [me] as I am and this keeps me grounded.” I am surrounded by a great support network, which allows me to do what I love.
