Golfing World’s Hunt for Their Next Superstar Mirrors NFL’s Anticipation of the Next Patrick Mahomes

Every so often, a prodigious talent emerges in sports, setting the stage on fire with their exceptional skills and unrivaled potential. The NFL has its powerhouse on the way, similar to something people witnessed when Patrick Mahomes joined the league in 2017. However, no one is setting the expectations quite like Rose Zhang. Enter our rising golf sensation, whose name is whispered in hushed tones among industry insiders and sports enthusiasts.

Stanford starlet Rose Zhang has finally decided to turn pro after her historic two-year run in the NCAA category. And what a run she’s had. This has undoubtedly led to the Caleb Williams comparisons. Let’s take a look back at how the Dōngbêi native conquered the amateur golfing scene.

The elite legacy of Rose Zhang

During her two years at Stanford, Rose Zhang won everything. She has turned the NCAA history books into a personal playground on her way to becoming one of the greatest amateur players ever- male or female. After earning the world’s No.1 spot in women’s amateur golf in September 2020, Zhang kept her spot at the top for the next three years. Joining Stanford after winning the 2020 US Women’s Amateur when she was 17, she quickly set the collegiate scene on fire.

She went on to claim 12 out of the 20 collegiate titles she fought for before clinching the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. This gave her the unique distinction of being the only female golfer in history to win back-to-back NCAA individual titles.

This unparalleled dominance has paved the way for Rose Zhang to get millions in sponsorship contracts. This includes deals with Adidas, Delta, Rolex, and Beats by Dre, among others. And finally, Rose Zhang is making it to the big leagues this year.

Zhang will attend a press conference this week at the Liberty National Golf Club to make her official pro announcement and plans to debut at the Mizuho Americas Open. She has another four majors lined up this year. Rose has only one thing on her mind; earning the coveted LPGA tour card. And with a swing like hers, it doesn’t look far-fetched at all.

ALSO READ: Patrick Mahomes Isn’t the Most Powerful, but Certainly Amongst the Most Tactful

While Zhang is the undisputed royalty in the future of golf, the support isn’t that unanimous for USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

NFL fans think the comparison between Patrick Mahomes and Williams is absurd

Back in December last year, 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams shocked the NFL world when he put himself on the same level as Kansas City Chiefs 2X Super Bowl MVP Pat Mahomes. “Obviously he [Mahomes] is special. But I don’t think there’s anything that I can’t do that he’s doing out there,” Williams told CBS Sports. One NFL quarterback coach even called Williams a “refined Mahomes,” ahead of Caleb’s draft eligibility in 18 months. However, the NFL world strongly disagreed with the comparisons.

“Stop comparing a college QB to the best in the league,” one fan tweeted after the coach’s comments. “I will believe it when I see it,” another commented. “No one is going to be the next Jordan, the next Kobe, the next Mahomes. They’re in a class of their own.” Williams passed for 4537 yards and scored an FBS-high 42 touchdowns the past season.

Regardless of the comparisons, with Zhang and Williams’ arrival, the future of the sporting horizon in the nation is brighter than ever.

WATCH THIS STORY: Patrick Mahomes’ wife Brittany captures precious sisterly love in heartfelt post