The Rose Zhang era has officially begun.
The 20-year-old former Stanford star – who just two weeks ago defended her NCAA Championship title – won her professional debut on Sunday at the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Zhang, the most-recent Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion, defeated the inaugural ANWA winner Jennifer Kupcho in a playoff to become the first player to win in her LPGA pro debut since Beverly Hanson in 1951 and earn membership on the tour after just one start.
“What is happening?” said Zhang as she held a bouquet of red roses just off the 18th green. “I just can’t believe it.”
Zhang’s historic win caught the attention of a few folks around the sports world, such as 15-time major winner Tiger Woods and fan-favorite Max Homa.
Incredible few weeks for Rose Zhang, defends her NCAA title and then wins in her Pro debut. Go card!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) June 5, 2023
Rooting for Rose here despite her tie to the private school down the road from Cal
— max homa (@maxhoma23) June 4, 2023
Rose Zhang just won $412,500.
First week in the new job!
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) June 5, 2023
13 days ago, Rose Zhang came from four behind to win the NCAA individual title. It was her eighth win of the season and 12th and final in college
Now, she’s an LPGA winner in her first professional start. What an opening to what’s bound to be a stellar career 🌹
— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) June 5, 2023
What did you expect?!
Rose Zhang puts on a ELITE display in New Jersey becoming the first LPGA player to win her pro debut since 1951.
Rose + Paradym + Chrome Soft X= WINS
This is gonna be fun to watch 🌹 pic.twitter.com/yBHqABcKBb
— Callaway Golf (@CallawayGolf) June 5, 2023
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