Rose Zhang expected to be in a scramble for her first professional appearance at the Mizuho Americas Open. Rose Zhang was surprised when she saw fans in the stands to watch her first professional tee-shot on Thursday morning. This humble attitude is typical of a champion who’s legendary status grew on Sunday, when she became first woman since Beverly Hanson to win the LPGA on her professional debut.
Hello, world!
Zhang did not make a single birdie but she remained patient during a long and arduous final round at Liberty National. She won in a two hole playoff against Jennifer Kupcho by making the most significant par of her career.
Zhang asked, “What’s happening?” as she held up a bouquet of roses. “I can’t believe what I am seeing.”
Zhang, who celebrated her 20th anniversary and announced her professional plans just 13 days after winning her second NCAA title and celebrating her second NCAA championship and won the top players of the world.
The Stanford family calls her “Rosie”. She dazzled, whether the round was easy or required persistent grinding
Zhang, a 12-time Stanford winner, a two-time USGA champ, and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Champion, carried huge expectations into this week, as her achievements in amateur golf have been unparalleled in modern times. Zhang sees expectations as a compliment and embraces them, even though she knows that the results are not what define her.
It’s a mature-beyond-her-years outlook that should translate into staying power at the top of the game.
Zhang’s highlights for the week include a chip-in on a par-5 13th hole, a nearly-aced tee-shot on the driveable par-4 16, and a recovery from the rough shot on Sunday.
This is ridiculous pic.twitter.com/EoyroJsuIZ
Cameron Jourdan June 4, 2020
Since Michelle Wie West’s debut in 2005, the LPGA has not seen an American professional debut as anticipated. Wie West, who was the tournament host for Mizuho, joined Morgan Pressel and another former prodigy in the Golf Channel booth to discuss Zhang’s sensational debut.
Wie West said, “She’s an incredible player. I look up to her.”
Zhang spoke to the media for three hours on Tuesday, and he seems ready for what comes next.
Zhang is now an LPGA member. The 500 CME points are also awarded for her win. This rule was changed in 2021 following the Sophia Popov uproar .
Zhang, who played the Mizuho as a sponsored exemption, is the eighth LPGA player to have won their first start since 1992. She joins Hinako Shbuno (2019 AIG Women’s Open), and Karrie Webb, (1995 Weetabix Women’s British Open).
Zhang, now that she is an LPGA member and Stacy Lewis, her captain, will be leading the Solheim Cup this year in Spain.
Zhang’s historic debut was filled with drama at the end. Zhang missed a birdie on the 16th, which would have given her a 2-stroke lead. She faced a 10-foot par putt on the penultimate to maintain her lead. Zhang was a master at dripping it down to become the best in women’s golf.
Next up: Stanford final exams
