Rose Zhang makes HISTORY with Mizuho Americas Open win in professional debut!
20-year-old Rose Zhang won the Mizuho Americas Open Sunday in her professional debut.
Rose Zhang has arrived.
With a par on the second playoff hole Sunday at Liberty National Golf Club, the 20-year-old phenom made history as she won the Mizuho Americas Open on the LPGA Tour in her professional debut.
"What is happening? I just can't believe it," Zhang said on the broadcast immediately following her victory.
One professional start
One professional win
Rose Zhang has officially arrived pic.twitter.com/q1ruOlJi1P— LPGA (@LPGA) June 5, 2023
It was less than two weeks ago that Zhang won the NCAA individual title for the second year in-a-row, becoming the first woman to do so.
It also marked her 12th collegiate victory in 20 starts, breaking the previous Stanford University record of 11. That number was achieved by three former Stanford golfers, including 82-time PGA Tour winner Tiger Woods.
On Sunday, after her victory, Woods congratulated 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
Zhang had announced shortly after earning her second national championship that she would be turning professional and planned to make her debut at this week's Mizuho Americas Open.
The tournament was new to the LPGA Tour this year and was hosted by five-time LPGA Tour winner, Michelle Wie West.
Zhang's first-round debut was highly anticipated on Thursday, and the California product delivered with a solid 2-under par 70. She was five strokes back of the 18-hole leader, Lauren Hartlage.
OKAY ROSE!
Can't get any better than this! pic.twitter.com/dn7wRPMbMn— LPGA (@LPGA) June 1, 2023
She followed it up with an improved 3-under par 69 on Friday to safely make the cut.
On Saturday, however, Zhang showed just how talented she is with an impressive 6-under 66 to take the 54-hole lead by two strokes.
Sunday's final round proved to be a tougher day at the New Jersey course, but Zhang held on, making the clutch pars required to force a playoff with Jennifer Kupcho at 9-under par.
And after Kupcho made bogey on the second playoff hole, Zhang two-putted for par, the win, and LPGA Tour history.
What. A. Shot.
Rose Zhang knocks one close on the second playoff hole at Liberty National
Watch now on @GolfChannel! pic.twitter.com/dc98bCIOed— LPGA (@LPGA) June 5, 2023
With it, Zhang became the first player since Beverly Hanson in 1951 to win an LPGA Tour event in their professional debut.
She also becomes the first player to win the NCAA division one individual title and an LPGA Tour event in the same year.
"It was just last week when I won NCAAs with my teammates, and to turn pro and come out here, it's just been amazing," Zhang added in the on-air interview. "I've enjoyed the journey. Gilly was on my bag the whole time. I had so many cheers around me. All my friends and family. Just so thankful."
With the win, Zhang can now accept immediate LPGA Tour membership, which would also make her eligible for the Solheim Cup later this year.
