“Paid Actor” as She Earns Her First Rolex LPGA Award, Rose Zhang Clear the Air About the Viral Moment During US Women’s Open

Rose Zhang may have lost the Rookie of the Year award to Hae Ran Rue, but her mind-blowing debut at the Mizuho Americas Open did not go unnoticed by the league. This week she is performing in the season finale of CME Championship, where besides the tournament the 2023 Rolex LPGA Awards were hosted to honor the achievements made by players this year.

While many awards in different categories were handed out, Zhang also bagged an award. And at the venue, she also talked about the viral shot of hers during the US Women’s Open.

Rose Zhang explains the viral moment at the US Women’s Open

The 2023 LPGA Rolex Players Awards was held yesterday at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. There Zhang was awarded the 2023 Rolex First-Time Winner. She was graced by Mounia Mechbal, Rolex Vice President of Marketing and Communications Mounia Mechbal. 

After the awards, she was asked about her debut year. Rose said that looking at the last six months, she is very happy with how everything turned out. This Rookie season has been a very fulfilling year for her. During the interview, she was also questioned about her amazing trick at the US Women’s Open. While playing in the major at Pebble Beach, Zhang made a shot on the tee. She made a shot that flied off the ground and landed in her back pocket. 

Answering that, she happily quipped, “I didn’t do anything. The tee was a paid actor at this point. We actually didn’t know that. Zach the person behind Callaway media and when people pointed it out he realized they shot a brilliant moment and it went viral from there. It was really crazy.” 

When inquired about her thoughts regarding the moment, Zhang answered, “I had no idea. My account started blowing up and everyone started sending me this video. I was like shoot, I didn’t know I did that. All I could say is what.” It really was a neat trick that made her shot look really cool.

Zhang on pulling the stunt again and her study plans.

Rose was further asked if she had tried to replicate it since. How can one even pull off such a thing? To this, Rose modestly answered, “I don’t think I will ever be able to do that. Like I said, the tee was a paid actor. I can’t pay it enough now to put it back in my pocket.” She has had so many incredible first experiences this rookie season, it’ll surely be hard to replicate them.

Also Read – Despite Failing To Steal LPGA’s Unique Crown, ‘Modest’ Rookie Rose Zhang’s Humble Confession Steals Fans’ Hearts

Now that the season is over, Zhang will be heading back to Stanford, where she is pursuing a degree in communication. Until the next season starts, Rose has made plans to catch up on her studies and she will have five classes during Stanford’s winter quarter, taking on a loaded 22-unit schedule.

Watch this story – As Rose Zhang Lays the Groundwork For the Upcoming Solheim Cup, She Expresses Her Excitement Over Future Teammate’s Maiden PGA Tour Victory