Born on May 24, 2003, in Arcadia, California, Rose Zhang has become a standout name in amateur golfing circles. As she continues to create ripples in the golfing community, it’s clear that Zhang is a force to be reckoned with. Now a resident of Irvine, California, she started her golf journey at the age of 9, honing her skills and developing a passion for the game that would lead her to great heights.
Zhang began her academic journey at Pacific Academy and later, in 2021, she enrolled at Stanford University, a prominent hub for talented golfers. Her college career has been nothing short of exceptional, claiming victory in both the 2022 and 2023 NCAA Division I Championships, making history as the first woman ever to win the individual title twice.
In her early amateur career, Zhang displayed her talent on the international stage. She was one of the youngest competitors in the 2019 Augusta National Women’s Amateur and played in the U.S. Women’s Open at just 16 years old. Zhang also represented the U.S. in the Pan American Games, where her team clinched a gold medal.
Zhang’s impressive trajectory continued when she claimed victory at the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship in August 2020, defeating Gabriela Ruffels on the 38th hole. Following this win, she ascended to the number one spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking in September 2020, after finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration, an LPGA major.
Off the course, Zhang inked a multi-year name, image, and likeness deal with Adidas in June 2022, marking the company’s first agreement with a student-athlete. This deal was announced as Zhang was preparing to compete in the U.S. Women’s Open.
In 2023, Zhang continued her winning streak. She triumphed at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and surpassed Leona Maguire for the most weeks ranked number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Then, in a remarkable feat, Zhang won her second consecutive individual NCAA Championship, making history once again.
Despite being an amateur, Zhang has had impressive results in LPGA major tournaments. She has competed in six, with her best results being T-11 at the 2020 Chevron Championship, T-40 at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, and T-28 at the 2022 Women’s British Open.
A look at Zhang’s achievements reveals a consistent upward trajectory that speaks volumes of her talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport. As she continues to develop her game and reach for higher milestones, the golfing world waits with bated breath to see where her extraordinary journey will lead her next.
Ultimately, Rose Zhang isn’t just a rising star – she’s a shining example of what it means to pursue a passion with unwavering dedication and tenacity. As she continues to rewrite the history of women’s golf, her story serves as an inspiration to the next generation of golfers aiming to make their mark on the sport.
