Stop if you’ve heard this story before: A record-setting golfer at Stanford — who took every trophy in sight during a decorated junior career, found early success at Augusta National and debuted to insane amounts of pressure — immediately exceeds expectations as a professional. T
Rose Zhang won the Mizuho Americas Open on Sunday, claiming victory on the LPGA in her professional debut following a historic career at Stanford. It took extra holes as Zhang beat Jennifer Kupcho in a two-hole playoff with a par on No. 18 at Liberty National, perhaps only adding to the momentous feeling surrounding her victory.
Zhang on Sunday became the first woman to win her LPGA debut since Beverly Hanson in 1951. This after departing college as the first woman in history to win consecutive NCAA Individual Championships (2022-23). She won that second national title just 13 days ago.
“What is happening?! I just can’t believe it,” said Zhang, echoing everyone watching her historic win, after the round. “It was just last week when I won NCAAs with my teammates. To turn pro and come out here has just been amazing. I’ve enjoyed the journey.”
“This golf course is rough,” she continued. “I really got a bit of everything….
