Rose Zhang justified the pre-tournament hype and excitement around her as the next great women golfer. At least, her first week suggests so as she performed like an expert.
The two-time NCAA champion became the first player in 72 years to bag the LPGA Tour in her pro debut, winning the Mizuho Americas Open with a par on the second playoff hole defeating Jennifer Kupcho on Sunday.
Rose Zhang bags Mizuho Americas title: how much money did she earn?
Zhang came to LPGA Tour with the highest fanfare since Michelle Wie West in 2005, and she hammered in the shadow of the Big Apple.
Talking about her achievement, Rose Zhang said,
“I just can’t believe it. 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. I’ve enjoyed the journey.”
The tenure was typically 13 days.
Beverly Hanson was the last female player to have won as a pro, who edged Babe Zaharias to take the Eastern Open in 1951.
Zhang’s sensational performance even impressed Tiger Wood, who tweeted,
“Incredible few weeks for Rose Zhang, who defends her NCAA title and then wins in her pro debut. Go card!”
Zhang’s victory was worth $412,500 and it also helped her earn an automatic LPGA Tour membership that she has gladly accepted. However, she’ll not be available for the next week’s event near Atlantic City, New Jersey.
She didn’t see the scoreboard till the 16th hole
Zhang has been ecstatic over the victory. “My reaction says it all,” she said and also mentioned that she didn’t see the scoreboard until the 16th hole and was unaware of her position in the field. It didn’t change much, though. She started in the lead and stuck to it till the end.
