One of the greatest amateur golfers of all time is officially a professional.
Rose Zhang is playing in this week’s Mizuho Americas Open on the LPGA at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, after announcing her decision to turn pro on May 26.
Zhang’s extensive resume includes the most wins in Stanford history (12) — yes, more than Tiger Woods — the 2022 and 2023 NCAA Women’s Championship titles and a win at the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
The 20-year-old came out of the gates firing Thursday, making birdie at three of her opening six holes. She made the turn with a 2-under 34 after a bogey at the par-4 9th. Thanks to a birdie-bogey-bogey stretch on Nos. 13-15, Zhang was 1 under for her round on the 18th tee box. However, she birdied her last hole of the day and signed for a 2-under 70.
Here are 12 photos from Zhang’s professional debut at Liberty National, one of the more scenic golf courses in the U.S. The field of 120 players is vying for a purse of $2.75 million, one of the largest among non-major events.
This marks the first time the LPGA has come to Liberty National, host of the 2017 Presidents Cup as well as several PGA Tour events.
Rose Zhang at the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open
Rose Zhang hits off the first tee during the first round of the Mizuho Americas Open…
Rose Zhang hits off the first tee during the first round of the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Rose Zhang at the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open
Rose Zhang smiles after hitting off the first tee during the first round of the Mizuho…
Rose Zhang smiles after hitting off the first tee during the first round of the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
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