AUGUSTA (Ga.) — Rose Zhang used the same caddie at Augusta National Golf Club Friday as Jennifer Kupcho in 2019, when she won the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Kupcho made the game-time choice to switch her father for Brian McKinley in that historic final round. This was especially important when she had a migraine which impaired her vision at midway.
Zhang, 19, was able to absorb every word McKinley had to say about the course and Kupcho’s closing score of 67. However, she decided to leave her father Haibin on the bag for the second consecutive year. On Thursday afternoon, the Stanford sophomore indicated that she was planning to use an Augusta caddie in the final round. However, she changed her mind later that night.
Zhang kept her trainer in the bag when Zhang lost the title at Amen Corner in 2021.
Zhang said, “Ultimately, I feel like the things we have are going quite well so far.” He also stated that he feels very comfortable with Zhang on the bag. He is very predictable. We are very familiar with our games.
“I believe it’s important to feel comfortable, especially when you’re on the biggest stage at Augusta. You can be yourself and do what needs to be done.
Rose Zhang takes her stroke to No. 13 green during a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Friday, March 31, 2023. (Photo: Augusta National Women’s Amateur)
Zhang set a record at Champions Retreat with rounds of 66-65, giving her a five-stroke advantage over Ole Miss senior Andrea Lignell. Officials chose to use a two-tee starting strategy for the final round, with the final pairing taking place at 8:50 E.T.
Zhang, the world’s No. Zhang, the No. 1 player in the world, was there for over 130 weeks. She returned to the range on Friday after Friday’s practice round. Others swung to her left. Before Saturday, she wanted to feel secure.
Zhang’s last round at Augusta National was less than desired the previous three rounds: 75-75-74.
Zhang, a record-breaking nine-time Stanford winner, led by seven strokes going into the NCAA Championship. She said that she was nervous about the shrinking lead to just three strokes after 10 holes.
Zhang finished with a 75 at Grayhawk Golf Club, Scottsdale, Arizona. However, he still managed to win by three.
Zhang said, “I have learned that it is essential to always recognize that you are playing the same fields that you were on Day 1. So there will be many people trying to climb up and you need to be ready for that.”
