In her professional debut, 20-year-old Rose Zhang already won her first LPGA victory in the Mizuho Americas Open. There are highlights from the final round in the video above.
Emily K Pedersen was 17th at -3 after an even par round, while Nanna Koerstz Madsen went +1 to finish 43rd at +3.
Rose Zhang won after a replay
After 142 weeks as No. 1 in the amateur world rankings, 20-year-old Rose Zhang has just turned professional. As an amateur, she has won many major tournaments, including the Augusta National Women’s Amateur 2023 and the individual college championship, the NCAA Championship, the past two years. In April, she set a new record as the world’s best amateur.
The talent is great and it seems to be a matter of time before she wins her first LPGA tournament. However, few had thought that it could happen in her first start, where she was part of an invitation.
Rose Zhang led at -6 in the third round but struggled in the final round. A bogey on the final hole resulted in a +2 round, leaving her tied for first at -9 with Jennifer Kupcho. The two therefore had to play-off, and Zhang won with a par on the second play-off hole.
Hae Ran Ryu was 3rd at -8, while Ayaka Furue, Eun-Hee Ji and Aditi Ashok tied for 4th at -7
The first since 1951 to win in his pro debut
Rose Zhang is the first since Hinako Shibuno won the 2019 AIG Women’s Open to win in her first tournament on the LPGA. She is the first since Beverly Hanson in 1951 to win on the LPGA in her professional debut.
As an amateur, she played 13 LPGA tournaments including eight majors, with an 11th place in Chevron Championship 2020 as the best result.
Mizuho Americas Open, result
