America's golfer Rose Zhang achieves milestone

America's golfer Rose Zhang beat compatriot Jennifer Kupcho at the Mizuho Americas Open title to become the first woman in more than 70 years to win on her professional debut at an LPGA Tour event. 

At New Jersey's Liberty National Golf Course, Zhang stunned Kupcho to win the title just 10 days after starting her professional career. 

"What is happening? I just can't believe it," she said in a greenside TV interview. "It was just last week that I won NCAAs with my team mates and to turn pro and come out here, it's just been amazing," she added. 

Zhang had a two-shot lead through 54 holes and could have avoided the playoff were it not for an errant putt that saw her stumble into a bogey on the final hole.

But the 20-year-old Californian showed poise well beyond her years when she drained a six-foot putt on the first playoff hole and set herself up for success with a brilliant approach shot on the second.

"This golf course is rough, 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," said Zhang.

"I knew that golf was just a grind and you really have to dig deep so that's what I did once again."

Zhang, who won the Augusta National Women's Amateur in April, is the second woman to win in her pro debut on the tour after Beverly Hanson in 1951.

"I want to continue trying to carve a path for young kids to just follow their dreams," she added. "I will continue to do what I'm doing, I'll continue to fight."

- Additional output from Reuters 

Comments

Submit