Stanford sophomore Rose Zhang, the most decorated player in amateur women’s golf history, announced on Friday that she’s turning pro.
The first woman to win two NCAA Division I individual national championships, Zhang will make her LPGA debut at next week’s inaugural Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey.
“The endless love, support and inspiration from so many people brought me to this point of my golf career,” Zhang posted to Instagram. “From my teammates to my coaches and trainers, to my friends and family — you have all been integral in my journey, shaping me as a person and player while making sacrifices for my success. You have made it possible for me to pursue my dreams.”
The United States Golf Association, shortly after Zhang’s announcement, granted her a special exemption Friday into the U.S. Women’s Open, which will be played July 6-9 at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California.
The 20-year-old Zhang, from Irvine, California, also has been given an exemption and is expected to compete in the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey,…
