Another day, another new record for Rose Zhang. On Sunday, the 20-year-old became only the first player in 72 years to clinch a title on their LPGA Tour debut. The golf community is currently hailing the young prodigy at large for her heroics, with even golfing legend Tiger Woods weighing in!
Woods’ praise comes just days after Zhang broke one of his incredible records at Stanford. So, what did the 15-time major winner have to say about the young golfer? Let’s dive in to learn more!
Tiger Woods heaps praise on Rose Zhang in a new tweet
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Just last month, Rose Zhang won her second NCAA Division I golf title, becoming the first woman ever to claim two individual titles. It was her 12th college victory in 20 starts, which broke a Stanford record previously held by three golfers, including Tiger Woods. Just days after accomplishing the sensational feat, the California native decided to leave her amateur career behind, and her professional career couldn’t have gotten off to a better start!
Last Thursday, Zhang came into the Mizuho Americas Open at the Liberty National hoping to make the cut. On Sunday, she edged past several heavyweights to claim the title, becoming the first player since Beverly Hanson in 1951 to win on the LPGA in her professional debut. Her win even blew away Tiger Woods, who took to Twitter to shower praise on the golfer.
“Incredible few weeks for Rose Zhang, defends her NCAA title and then wins in her Pro debut. Go card,” wrote Woods, congratulating his fellow Stanford Cardinal. After her win, Zhang also shared an embrace with LPGA great and tournament host Michelle Wie West. West, like Zhang and Woods, also went to Stanford.
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
Sunday’s thrilling final round saw the rookie golfer tie with Jennifer Kupcho at the top of the leaderboard. The golfers then went head-to-head in a two-hole sudden-death playoff, in which Zhang emerged victorious.
Rose Zhang beats Jennifer Kupcho in a thrilling playoff to win her pro LPGA Tour debut
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As Rose Zhang entered the Mizuho Americas Open after an amateur career unlike any other, all eyes were expectantly on her. However, she managed to exceed all expectations, and how! Following rounds of 70-69-66, Zhang entered the final day of the competition as the solo leader. But a birdie-less fourth round saw her finish 2-over par after 18 holes. 3-time LPGA Tour winner Jennifer Kupcho was 3-under on the day to force a playoff against Zhang.
However, Kupcho ended up with a bogey on the second playoff hole. Meanwhile, Zhang shot par on the hole to nab the title. “What is happening? I just can’t believe it,” the golfer went on to say after her win. She took home $412,500 in earnings for her sensational performance. The win has also earned Zhang an automatic LPGA Tour membership.
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What do you think of Zhang’s amazing feat at the Mizuho Americas Open? Do you think we will get to see more Tiger Woods-Rose Zhang interactions down the road? Tell us in the comments!