Getty Image / Photo By Elsa
Every once in a while, an American golf phenom comes around that is must-watch television. Of course, the original phenom of the internet era was Tiger Woods, who was the main draw in the sport of golf since he was an amateur. Then came Michelle Wie, who ended up being a good player on the LPGA Tour, as well as in some starts on the PGA Tour, but never realized her full potential. But, Rose Zhang looks like she is going to fulfill her massive promise.
Rose Zhang had an incredible amateur career. The Stanford golfer (same school that Woods played at and Wie attended) won back-to-back NCAA titles in 2022 and 2023, the 2023 win coming just two weeks ago. The 20-year-old also won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur title in 2023, and has also won the US Women’s Amateur.
So, she decided to turn pro and announced that her first tournament would be the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National in the shadows of Manhattan Following that NCAA title in May, anticipation for her LPGA debut was probably higher than any player since Michelle Wie in the 2000s. And, she did not disappoint.
After firing a 66 on Saturday in the 3rd round, she entered the final round with the lead. She didn’t play particularly great, shooting a +2 74 and missing a par putt on the 72nd hole to win the tournament. But, Rose Zhang won the tournament on the 2nd playoff hole to win her debut. She’s the first player on the LPGA Tour since 1951 to win in her debut.
Welcome to the LPGA Tour, Rose Zhang 🤝 pic.twitter.com/de4aB9mDdp
— LPGA (@LPGA) June 5, 2023
And, even Tiger Woods had praise to shower on his fellow Stanford Cardinal.
Incredible few weeks for Rose Zhang, defends her NCAA title and then wins in her Pro debut. Go card!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) June 5, 2023
That’s gotta feel good for Rose Zhang to get Tiger Woods to shout her out. Zhang will start preparing for the Women’s PGA Championship in 3 weeks.