JERSEY CITY, N.J.— Rose Zhang captured the inaugural Mizuho Americas Open title in a two-hole sudden-death playoff on Sunday, delivering one of the most historic moments in the sport while becoming the first player to win her LPGA debut since Beverly Hanson in 1951.
In a battle of former NCAA and Augusta champions, Zhang defeated fellow American Jennifer Kupcho in a two-hole sudden-death playoff. Zhang finished her first tournament at 279 overall (-9), carding rounds of 70-69-66-74.
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Zhang earned automatic tour membership with the victory, becoming the fourth sponsor invite to win on the LPGA Tour since 2003 and first since Lydia Ko in 2013.
Zhang has produced countless memorable moments throughout her career, with Sunday’s milestone all the more significant considering the former Cardinal standout played her final collegiate match on May 23 and turned pro three days later following two dynamic seasons (2022-23) on The Farm.
Zhang, who plans to remain enrolled at Stanford and continue pursuing her degree in communication while training at the world-class Siebel Varsity Golf Training complex, produced arguably the most decorated amateur career in the history of collegiate golf.
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