America’s Rose Zhang won the Mizuho Americas Open on her LPGA Tour debut just nine days after turning professional.
Zhang, 20, beat Jennifer Kupcho on the second hole of a play-off at Liberty National in New Jersey to become the first woman to win on her first LPGA appearance since Beverly Hanson in 1951.
Zhang had the chance to win on the 18th hole in regulation play, but made a bogey to shoot a closing two-over 74 and join compatriot Kupcho, who carded a final round 69, on nine under. But she secured victory on the second hole of the play-off after Kupcho missed her putt.
“What is happening? I just can’t believe it,” said Zhang. “To turn pro and come out here and win, it’s just been amazing. I’ve enjoyed the journey. I really got a bit of everything, got a taste of the pressure, got a taste of the wind and I tried to stay composed as always. I knew that golf was just a grind and you really had to dig deep.”
The victory was worth $412,500 and it also earned Zhang an automatic LPGA Tour membership.
Zhang spent a record 141 weeks at the top of the women’s amateur rankings before she joined the pro ranks last week, surpassing the previous best of 135 set by Ireland’s Leona Maguire. During that time she won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April, two individual NCAA titles, the US Women’s Amateur and the US Junior Girls.
Rose Zhang WITB
Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (9°)
Fairway Woods: Callaway Rogue ST LS (13.5°, 18°)
Hybrid: Callaway Paradym(21°)
Irons: Callaway Apex (5-AW)
Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (54°, 58°)
Putter: Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Double Wide
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X