American Rose Zhang wins the Mizuho Americas Open on her LPGA Tour debut just nine days after turning professional.
Zhang, 20, beat Jennifer Copshaw on the second hole of a playoff at New Jersey’s Liberty National to become the first woman to win on her LPGA debut since Beverly Hanson in 1951.
Zhang had a chance to win the 18th hole in regulation play, but bogeyed to close with a two-over 74 and join compatriot Kupcho, who carded a final-round 69, at nine-under. But she secured victory on the second hole of the playoff after Copshaw missed her putt.
“What’s going on? Zhang said. “To go pro and come out here and win, it was amazing. I enjoyed the ride. I really got a little bit of everything, got a taste of the pressure, got a taste of the wind and tried to stay calm as always. I knew golf was just a grind and you had to dig deep.”
The victory was valued at $412,500 and also earned Zhang automatic membership on the LPGA Tour.
Zhang spent 141 weeks at the top of the women’s amateur rankings before joining the professional ranks last week, surpassing Leona Maguire’s previous record of 135 weeks. During that time she won the Augusta National Amateur Women In April, we captured two NCAA men’s singles titles, the U.S. Women’s Amateur and the U.S. Girls’ Junior.
Rose Chang WITB
Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (9°)
Fairway Woods: Callaway Rogue ST LS (13.5 degrees, 18 degrees)
Hybrid: Callaway Paradym (21°)
Iron: Callaway Apex (5-AW)
Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (54°, 58°)
Racket: Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Double Wide
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X