Have we seen the future of womens golf, and is her name Rose Zhang? Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. Well, I think for me, I have a lot of maturing to do, Zhang said in April after finishing third at the Augusta National Womens Amateur. He is always there to check in with how I am feeling before and after the rounds. The day-to-day grind caught up with Zhang around the beginning of the year, when she battled tendinitis in her arm and wrist. She was different.. But when I'm ready, I think I will know it when I'm ready.. Steve Fryer covers high school sports at the Orange County Register. In the golf circles Im pretty well known, but at school I really dont say anything, she told me. Rose Zhang, who is the top-ranked junior golfer in the world and a student at Irvine's Pacific Academy, signs with Stanford She is a senior at Pacific Academy in Irvine Pacific Academy's Rose. Steve also writes a weekly column that covers pro and college sports, and other topics. Heck won five straight tournaments to cap her freshman year in the spring. Now, with a Girls Junior PGA and ANA Junior Inspiration championship under her belt (which landed her an LPGA. By signing up, you agree to the Tempo is biggest thing for her. Zhang has also signed with Amundi, Beats, Uswing and Paradox. It helps make me relax and believe in what I do, she says. She did not hit one shot on the range. His list of players include a PGA Tour Champion, a LPGA Tour Champion, an USGA Champion, 2-NCAA All-Americans, and 31 Polo Junior All-Americans. 1 for a reason: Stanford freshman phenom Rose Zhang holds on to win individual title wire-to-wire at 2022 NCAA Championship", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rose_Zhang&oldid=1126143045, Winners of ladies' major amateur golf championships, Pan American Games gold medalists for the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 2017 Junior PGA Championship, Junior America's Cup, 2018 ANA Junior Inspiration, Swinging Skirts AJGA Invitational, The PING Invitational, 2019 Toyota Junior World Cup, Swinging Skirts AJGA Invitational, Rolex Tournament of Champions, This page was last edited on 7 December 2022, at 19:41. For a player who easily grasps big-picture perspectives, the value of a back-up plan surely isnt lost on her. Working with you has been an amazing opportunity. That event was definitely very hard, Zhang said. But what does it actually take to reach this levelof achievement? His ability to recognize anything from small details to major mistakes has greatly improved the consistency of my swing. She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. Rose Zhang kicked off her sophomore season with a Pebble Beach course record and later a dominating victory at the Carmel Cup. Much was expected from Zhang upon her arrival in Palo Alto. Zhang said she watched how LPGA players went about their business at the ANA Inspiration in 2018, a tournament Zhang qualified for when she won the ANA Junior Inspiration tournament as a 14-year-old. After pleasantries are exchanged at the elevator, Rose goes into game-face mode. Since receiving those text messages full of advanced golf questions, Pinnell has had an idea of Zhangs potential. I have been working with George since I was 14. Within 10 minutes, I had it, Zhang told her coach after the tournament. Im confident I have a chance, she says. ; Players who represented the country they moved to in . Rose Zhang makes it three in a row at Stanford Intercollegiate. After this recognition in 2019, I was inspired to get to reach new heights in my golf game and in my character. Nov 4, 2021 TRINITY, Texas Rose Zhang and Stanford University teammate Rachel Heck are the top two amateur golfers in the world and lead a world-class American women's team this week at the. He'll return for her title defense in the latter, which begins Monday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. She lost her lead after a second-round 75 on the challenging Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Annual AGW dinners at the Open Championship would not have taken place if not for the sterling work of Dave and former AGW treasurer Bob Davies. 21.8301. But thats not the answer, he said with a laugh. And when Rose makes a mistake when shes playing, you dont get too nervous, because she has a way of rectifying and really coming back strong.. He is very experienced and is truly an amazing person. We appreciate your high standards, your persistence, your encouragement, and your sense of humor. We all should learn the life lessons, attitude and the tenacious fighting spirit that you have toward difficulties that you face. And not only does he teach my daughter golf skills, he also coaches her on mental guidance and how to be a better person. I was always very into my golf game and didnt really have time to talk to other people. In 2019, Zhang advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Girls' Junior and helped the USA win a mixed team gold medal in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Win or lose, when Zhang walks away from Team USA and returns to the usual isolating amateur summer, spending hours alone in the confines of her mind, a new Rose Zhang will emerge. Coming from that week, I learned a lot, and could gain more improvement on my game. It's a rapid. Annika Sorenstam played two years at Arizona, as did Lorena Ochoa. #JustSaying: I do believe that the best sports psychologist in the world is a square clubface at impact. Rory McIlroy, Photograph courtesy of the Ladies European Tour, Shes everything I thought she would be. Bront Wittpenn/The Chronicle Zhang has spent the past 104. An Arizona Wildcat sophomore in 2001-02, Ochoa won her first seven tournaments starts before finishing second at Pac-10 Championship in April. Zhang carries a 4.6 grade-point average. In June 2022, Adidas announced its first name, image, and likeness deal with Zhang, making her the company's first student athlete. Theyve given me a flexible schedule to work with and when I come back from a tournament they help me catch up.. It was Zhangs turn to be confused. Maybe someday Woods will ask for a snapshot with her. But her achievements havenot come without routine discipline and a dedicated work ethic, and Zhang has honed in on what her keys are to success. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? Several times different people mentioned like this reminds them back in the day when Tiger was here in the 1990s and people in the community knew the players and were watching the players and wanting to come out and see them in person. His ability to recognize anything from small details to major mistakes has greatly improved the consistency of my swing. 2 Oregon, 3&1, Also won the Spirit International individual and team titles with teammate Rachel Heck and Team USA, T12th at 2022 Augusta National Women's Amateur, Finished T40th in U.S. Women's Open (June 2-5) at Pine Needles, Helped Team USA to 15.5-4.5 win in 2022 Curtis Cup at Merion, Played for Team USA at the Arnold Palmer Cup (July 1-3) in Geneva, Switzerland, Made cut at 2022 Evian Championship (July 21-24), Low amateur and Smyth Salver winner at AIG Women's Open (Aug. 4-7), Represented Team USA at World Amateur Team Championship (Aug. 24-27). When shes not golfing, she can be found doing homework, surfing the web, watching Chinese variety shows and hanging out with friends. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. Top finishers will win automatic exemptions into the prestigious Golfweek International Junior Invitational Nov 4-5 in Florida. Its been 19 years since Lorena Ochoa had what many consider the most dominant single season in womens college golf history. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. Your hard work ethics are a good path for me to follow. I dont set specific goals, but try to keep myself in a strict practice, said Zhang. (Photo courtesy of Stanford). She asked for it while rep- resenting America at the Junior Ryder Cup in Paris in 2018. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. Shell be three back of the leader and the next thing you know, she finds a way to get something done.. Divisor. During the extended range session, Zhang is intensely focused on the second key to her success her fundamentals. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) "A lot of us want a little more than just golf," said Stanford sophomore Angelina Ye, who finished 15th and walked most of the back nine with Zhang. The best womens amateur golfer in the world signed with Stanford. Thank you for all to George Pinnell! Someday she hopes to play on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. Now 16, shes soared up the amateur rankings, featured on the LPGA and verbally committed to Stanford in the class of 2021. Zhang arrived at Stanford with a string of amateur accomplishments to her name to match what Woods achieved in the unpaid game. He cares about, and checks scores, for every single tournament his players compete in, no matter how big or small the tournament is. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. Girls' Junior Am. Many expect the No. She never actually hit a golf ball. The tournament is open to any players age 13-19 who meet the eligibility requirements and are not yet affiliated with a college golf team. She said: Woods won two of his first three tournaments in the 1994/95 American college season. Zhang has a verbal commitment to golf for Stanford University after high school. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. She never gets away from that, said Pinnell. Her natural tempo is beautifully smooth and unteachable. Shes an extremely humble youngster. Top 10 Finishes. A perfect Zhang story, but not often told, occurred at the 2020 Ping Invitational. He helps me stay driven.. First, she stays in the present. I just think that college is the place where I'll be able to play even better, shoot better scores and mature as a person and character. Subscribe now. Zhang was born in Arcadia, California and resides in Irvine, California. LPGA TourMi Hyun KimHyun Hee MoonShi Hyun AhnAra KohIrene ChoRussy GulyanamittaHana KimSarah LeeJi Young LeeNa On MinAngela ParkAnna RawsonSung Ah Yim, Mini TourRyan CarterAndrew PatipaksiriLalita Patipaksiri, Japanese PGA TourJay Choi WinnerDavid Oh, Cactus Tour / Symetra TourJoy TrotterLalita Patipaksiri, Top AmateursKristen Park- USGA ChampionHenna ChoPatty ChawalithmethaRoy KimTiffany Lua UCLA & 2 time Curtis Cup Player. Reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Rose Zhang spoke to the media before competing in the 2020 U.S. Women's Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.. Nov 02, 2021. And we spend a lot of time on fundamentals: swing plane, club path and positions at the top, which is very important to get club back on plane. She celebrated her victory by flying to Evian, France, where she competed in another LPGA major, the Amundi Evian Championship, and made the cut. 8 in the womens World Amateur Golf Ranking. She never gets away from that, said Pinnell. Best Rank. [1], Zhang attended Pacific Academy and enrolled at Stanford University in 2021.[3][4]. She won the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur and the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship. Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Zhang also won the PING Invitational this year to become the first juniors-level two-time PING Invitational champion. Oct 04, 2021. Home What makes Rose Zhang the No. Rose Zhang has also been No. Shot 64 to finish 2nd stage Japan Q-school to finish 3rd!!! This mainly affected players from the former Soviet Union, such as Viktor Onopko, and the former Yugoslavia, such as Davor uker. 34. Rose Zhang kicked off her sophomore season with a Pebble Beach course record and later a dominating victory at the Carmel Cup. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open. Rose Zhang stood several paces to the side as Gabriela Ruffels leaned over her par putt attempt at the 38th hole Sunday afternoon, fully expecting her opponent to sink the four-footer to extend. However, Zhang looks like she could step onto the LPGA Tour right now and make an impact. She competed in the2019 U.S. Womens Openat 16 years of age. When I first came to him when I was 11, his way of teaching really intrigued me with all the technology he had including Trackman, his side/front swing cameras, and his large TVs. Stanford, Zhang victorious at Windy City Collegiate. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. Girls' Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Ambefore theJunior. That was a big deal, she says, laughing. 6 in Golfweeks girls junior rankings and No. Now Im going to Seattle University on a golf scholarship, I can certainly say that Ive grow a tremendous amount as an athlete in the golf game and as a wholesome individual because of his genuine care and teachings. A perfect Zhang story, but not often told, occurredat the 2020 Ping Invitational. Zhang headed to the range afterwards, took slow practice swings to sync up her tempo and reviewed her fundamentals. George has given me a tremendous amount of help with all parts of the game including the swing, short game and putting as well as the mental part of my game. we learned a lot from him. Last 104 weeks. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. Getty Images. Phil Mickelson won three NCAA titles at ASU. I was just like, Oh well, Ill just act natural, Zhang said. Through her slowed-down swings, Zhang realized that she was taking the club back too inside which was causing her to miss shots. Copyright 1996 - Thanks to George, I am always able to find my confidence again and focus on my game. She defeated then reigning U.S. Womens Amateur champion Gabriela Ruffles on the 36th hole to crown herself the champ last year,and officially became the No. She competed in the 2019 U.S. Women's Open and was on the gold medal team at the 2019 Pan American Games. As Georges student for the past 6 years, to say that he has helped my golf game is an understatement. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. It's been a great month of golf for me so far thanks to George Pinnell! Within a little over half year, he was able to get Angie's confidence back and she started shooting within 70s which was previously very rare for her. George once told me that a player doesnt know how good a coach is, until they know how much he or she, cares. Graduated from Pacific Academy in Irvine, Calif. Two-time McCormack Medal winner, given to the world's top amateur golfer, Joins Lydia Ko (2011-13), New Zealand, and Leona Maguire (2015-17), of the Republic of Ireland as multiple recipients of the McCormack Medal, Competed in fourLPGA major championships in 2021, making the cut in the Amundi Evian Championship, Represented Team USA at the 2021 Curtis Cup, Finished third at the 2021 Augusta National Women's Amateur, Earned runner-up finish in the LPGA Symetra Tour's Carlisle Arizona Women's Golf Classic, Just the eighth player to win both the U.S. I really love the game of golf, she says. They have done wonders for me, Zhang said of Pacific Academys teachers and staff. Within a couple of months, she was competing in tournaments. She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. Zhangs desireto focus on the process and not the results;her ability to zone in on her fundamentals, to be in total sync withher game; the caliber and quality of people with whom shesurrounds herself, all boils down to one person Zhangs father, Henry. During my first few classes, George already corrected nearly unnoticeable but very crucial mistakes in just my set up that I had never even realized. Its just I think sometimes you cant really be too hard on yourself, she said, especially when you are on the greatest stage of amateur golf. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. Then I readjust what I need to do.. He has a very personal style where he has individual chats with her, where he listens to her as much as she listens to him. Rose Zhang has also been No. Amateur, but the first to win the Amateur before the Junior, Won the 2020Rolex Girls Junior Championship, 2020 ANA Inspiration Low Amateur, breaking Michelle Wie's scoring record (T11th), 2019 winner at the Toyota Junior World Cup, Swinging Skirts AJGA Invitational and Rolex Tournament of Champions, Represented Team USA at the 2019 Junior Solheim Cup and Pan-American Games, Four-time Curtis Cup Player of the Year for Southern California.