Rose Zhang’s dominance of the amateur game and collegiate tournaments while at Stanford naturally drew a comparison to another famous alumnus of the Cardinal.
But Zhang did something on Sunday that even Tiger Woods did not do—win in pro start No. 1.
Two weeks after becoming the first woman to win the NCAA tournament in two straight years, Zhang played in the Mizuho Americas Open on a sponsor exemption and had all eyes on her after going into the final round with a two-stroke lead.
Zhang did have her difficulties during the final round, shooting a birdie-free 74. Fellow American Jennifer Kupcho caught her with a 3-under 69 to put them in a tie after 72 holes. Zhang, however, won on the second playoff hole.
One professional start
One professional winRose Zhang has officially arrived pic.twitter.com/q1ruOlJi1P
— LPGA (@LPGA) June 5, 2023
Zhang said
“Obviously, I have frustrations, disappointments with my game, but I never once think about where I finish, where I should finish, et cetera. The expectation for me winning did not even cross my mind. I was just playing my game. I was having a good time out there. This is the game that I love, and I’m so thankful to be a professional doing it now.”
After winning the tournament, Zhang was presented with several roses for the win. A similar scene took place after winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April.
To the victor go the ROSES!
Rose Zhang soaks in her historic victory at the @MizuhoLPGA. pic.twitter.com/qfDsIbK2MM
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) June 5, 2023
Zhang’s win naturally caught the attention of the golf world—including Stanford’s most famous golf alum.
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
Think the emoji in golf is around for a few years!!!
Congratulations Rose Zhang on the fantastic win today.
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) June 5, 2023
The win gave Zhang automatic membership to the LPGA Tour. She became the first woman to win her pro debut since Beverly Hanson beat Babe Zaharias at the 1951 Eastern Open.
It last happened on the PGA Tour when Russell Henley won the Sony Open in Hawaii in 2013.
Cover Image Via Twitter
