Girls' Junior Am. 1-ranked amateur in Septemberafter finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. I duck-hooked a drive, Zhang began as she went blow-by-blow through the triple-bogey eight that derailed her run at the Augusta National Womens Amateur title. She finished as the runner-up and arrived on a red-eye flight to South Carolina on Tuesday, two days before the major began. She played with Bronte Law, Atthaya Thitikul and Angel Yin. Not only did the Irvine, Calif., native learn the importance of flushing a bad shot, she discovered how important it is to remain composed when television cameras are around. Zhang headed to the range afterwards, took slow practice swings to sync up her tempo and reviewed her fundamentals. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not have current access may request their free account here. Former colleague Beth Ann Nichols quotes Stanford womens golf coach Anne Walker as saying: Walker expanded on that notion to the Stanford website. She then clinched Stanfords second NCAA team title by winning the final match, 3 and 1. The multi-year deal was announced on the morning of Zhang entering the U.S. Women's Open.[13]. Ive always told Rose, if you can take care of the golf ball, everything else will take care of itself. She also credits her father for developing her into a tough competitor. George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. Zhangs desireto focus on the process and not the results;her ability to zone in on her fundamentals, to be in total sync withher game; the caliber and quality of people with whom shesurrounds herself, all boils down to one person Zhangs father, Henry. He is very experienced and is truly an amazing person. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. Home What makes Rose Zhang the No. Still, her early accomplishments have been nothing but stellar. He knows how to encourage golfers to face the challenges and he knows everything about the growth of a good junior golfer in the process. Coming from that week, I learned a lot, and could gain more improvement on my game. Steve also writes a weekly column that covers pro and college sports, and other topics. 21.8301. She practices every day after school. But what does it actually take to reach this level of achievement? He is very experienced and is truly an amazing person. Stanford, Zhang victorious at Windy City Collegiate. Shell be competing for the U.S. in the Pan American Games in August, Pinnell said. Aug 28, 2021. Which is what makes Roses reaction to a tough loss all the more impressive. Steve also is in the Southern California Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, and was the first journalist to receive the Contribution to Education award from the Orange County Department of Education. Less than a week after the death of Renton Laidlaw, news comes that fellow golf writer Dave Hamilton has gone to that great press tent in the sky. In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Since receiving those text messages full of advanced golf questions, Pinnell has had an idea of Zhangs potential. That kind of self-awareness is only possible for someone who constantly works within themselves to achieve peak performance. We see the success of Rose Zhang: her wins, her clutch putts and her consistency. George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. She said: Woods won two of his first three tournaments in the 1994/95 American college season. An Irvine teen has risen to No. In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. Bront Wittpenn/The Chronicle Zhang has spent the past 104. (Photo courtesy of Stanford). Unlike sports such as soccer and basketball, golf has a steep start-up cost before you even arrive at the range with equipment. She won the U.S. Women's Amateur title in. To be out there together with him is pretty cool, she said. In June 2022, Adidas announced its first name, image, and likeness deal with Zhang, making her the company's first student athlete. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. We appreciate your high standards, your persistence, your encouragement, and your sense of humor. I dont set specific goals, but try to keep myself in a strict practice, said Zhang. Rose Zhang. In May 2022, Zhang won the individual NCAA Championship by 3 shots. During the extended range session, Zhang is intensely focused on the second key to her success her fundamentals. So he asked her who was writing the messages during their next lesson. It changed my daily schedule that I was so used to., Although frustrating at times, the break was a turning point in Zhangs career. Here's a look at this season's current boys basketball statewide leaders in points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, free throws and 3-pointers. Among them a two-time Mark H McCormack Medal winner (2020 and 2021) as the leading player on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2020 U.S. Womens Amateur champion; 2021 U.S. Girls Champion; two-time Rolex Junior Player of the Year; a member of the victorious 2021 U.S. Curtis Cup team; low amateur in the 2020 ANA Inspiration with an 11th place finish. Several people say this reminds them of when Tiger was here back in the 90s., I do believe that the best sports psychologist in the world is a square clubface at impact. Rory McIlroy. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). But before enrolling this fall, Zhang insisted she was looking forward Stanford and determined to continue to work on her game before attempting to play professionally. George has given me a tremendous amount of help with all parts of the game including the swing, short game and putting as well as the mental part of my game. Within 10 minutes, I had it, Zhang told her coach after the tournament. If it wasnt for Henry, Rose wouldnt be the player she is today.. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Aside from 11th in last years ANA, she made the cut in Evian Championship this year. The tournament is open to any players age 13-19 who meet the eligibility requirements and are not yet affiliated with a college golf team. LPGA TourMi Hyun KimHyun Hee MoonShi Hyun AhnAra KohIrene ChoRussy GulyanamittaHana KimSarah LeeJi Young LeeNa On MinAngela ParkAnna RawsonSung Ah Yim, Mini TourRyan CarterAndrew PatipaksiriLalita Patipaksiri, Japanese PGA TourJay Choi WinnerDavid Oh, Cactus Tour / Symetra TourJoy TrotterLalita Patipaksiri, Top AmateursKristen Park- USGA ChampionHenna ChoPatty ChawalithmethaRoy KimTiffany Lua UCLA & 2 time Curtis Cup Player. She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. He will be back in a guest role capacity, as will April Rose Pengilly (plays Chloe Brennan), and Melissa Bell (plays Lucy Robinson). They like to keep it tight with few loose-moving parts. It was I cant, honestly, she said laughing. The discipline and focus are off-the-charts high. Rose Zhang stood several paces to the side as Gabriela Ruffels leaned over her par putt attempt at the 38th hole Sunday afternoon, fully expecting her opponent to sink the four-footer to extend. Hell return for her title defense in the latter, which begins Monday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. A lot of us want a little more than just golf, said Stanford sophomore Angelina Ye, who finished 15th and walked most of the back nine with Zhang. Less than 12 hours after nationals, she turned pro, having competed against in her two-year stint in Tucson 1,880 golfers and beated all but 15 of them. Seeing her hang around on LPGA starts only further cemented the idea. The writers gathered round laughed too. Wins. Its just I think sometimes you cant really be too hard on yourself, she said, especially when you are on the greatest stage of amateur golf. Zhang has a snapshot of herself with Irvines best-known golfer: Tiger Woods. He also teaches parents some advanced ideas about golf and how to become a good parent of a good golfer. Now 16, shes soared up the amateur rankings, featured on the LPGA and verbally committed to Stanford in the class of 2021. Win or lose, when Zhang walks away from Team USA and returns to the usual isolating amateur summer, spending hours alone in the confines of her mind, a new Rose Zhang will emerge. I got to test my game against them, Zhang said, so that was certainly a special experience.. George has given me a tremendous amount of help with all parts of the game including the swing, short game and putting as well as the mental part of my game. And we spend a lot of time on fundamentals: swing plane, club path and positions at the top, which is very important to get club back on plane. Steve Fryer covers high school sports at the Orange County Register. I only wish we could see him more often. Rose Zhang of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates with teammates after winning the individual national title during the 2023 Division I Women's Golf Championship held at the Grayhawk Golf Club. Zhang made the cut, finishing T-55 at 7-over 291 at age 16. She and her coach detail the keys to success. George graciously took her in and then trained her with his life-lessons, his advanced technology equipment, skillful instructions, and star-student- role-model setting. 2 Oregon, 3&1, Also won the Spirit International individual and team titles with teammate Rachel Heck and Team USA, T12th at 2022 Augusta National Women's Amateur, Finished T40th in U.S. Women's Open (June 2-5) at Pine Needles, Helped Team USA to 15.5-4.5 win in 2022 Curtis Cup at Merion, Played for Team USA at the Arnold Palmer Cup (July 1-3) in Geneva, Switzerland, Made cut at 2022 Evian Championship (July 21-24), Low amateur and Smyth Salver winner at AIG Women's Open (Aug. 4-7), Represented Team USA at World Amateur Team Championship (Aug. 24-27). George quickly put her back on track for progress and health. Since then, Zhangs diligence toward golf has paid off in wins. She defeated then reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Gabriela Ruffles on the 36th hole to crown herself the champ last year, and officially became the No. And after some lessons, she entered a nine-hole tournament to test her game. Created in 2014, the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel is annually given to the top female U.S. collegiate golfer; the winner voted on by players, coaches and members of the college golf media. Steve's first byline appeared in the Register in 1979. With the technology and his ability to analyze my swing effectively, my game has really improved greatly in each stage of junior and amateur golf. 1 in the American Junior Golf Association rankings for more than 53 weeks. 2023 6 in Golfweeks girls junior rankings and No. She's already 263rd on the Rolex Womens World Golf Rankings. 1 in the American Junior Golf Association rankings for more than 53 weeks. PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif. - No. For now, I don't really have any intention of turning professional. But composure has hardly been a struggle for Zhang. Watching her overall, the main word I take away is shes a joy to be around and a very patient player.. In 2022, Callaway Golf announced its first name, image, and likeness deal with Zhang, making her the companys first student athlete. She won the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur and the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship. On a school day, practice begins for Zhang at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30, consisting of 200-300 golf balls on the range and an hour each for chipping and putting. She made just two bogeys over 54 holes en route to shooting a school-record-tying 16-under 197 at the Stanford Golf Club. Pinnell, like so many others, believes Zhang could be a generational type of player:I think that is in her veins.. Shell be three back of the leader and the next thing you know, she finds a way to get something done.. Working with you has been an amazing opportunity. Zhang said she watched how LPGA players went about their business at the ANA Inspiration in 2018, a tournament Zhang qualified for when she won the ANA Junior Inspiration tournament as a 14-year-old. Stanford Cardinal golfer Rose Zhang lands Adidas' first NIL deal Golf Home Scores Schedule Rankings Stats Standings How To Watch PGA TOUR rose135z 21.0K followers View profile rose135z 92. Pinnell, 75, credits Zhangs father Henry for her strong mental approach, saying that she thrives on the challenges he presents. Zhang processes things differently, he said. In total the Players that have received instruction from George have accounted for 350+ tournament wins on the Professional, College and Junior levels. What is it about Zhang that makes her so good? He asked Ko if he could introduce Zhang to her and snap a few photos of the pair. His list of players include a PGA Tour Champion, a LPGA Tour Champion, an USGA Champion, 2-NCAA All-Americans, and 31 Polo Junior All-Americans. The day-to-day grind caught up with Zhang around the beginning of the year, when she battled tendinitis in her arm and wrist. Her game is clearly ready for that next step. She showed up to the course in jeans and a T-shirt and looked around at the other players wearing more traditional attire. And not only does he teach my daughter golf skills, he also coaches her on mental guidance and how to be a better person. Much was expected from Zhang upon her arrival in Palo Alto. The WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKING ranks male and female amateur golfers by assessing performance at thousands of amateur golf tournaments and championships, worldwide. We got so much TV coverage. Stanford freshman Rose Zhang at Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex. Amanda Jessie Carlson first saw artistic swimming at age 8 when neighbors invited her to an annual water show by the Meraquas of Irvine. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. The Cardinal roster includes the reigning NCAA individual champion and player of the year, Rachel Heck, and first-team All-American Angelina Ye. I really enjoyed everything about Stanford. Zhang, 17, has won everything that can be won in womens amateur golf. Oct 17, 2021. Zhang has played her first nine rounds of college golf in in 23 under par, with an average score of 69.1. She jumped in with LPGA Hall of Fame champ Patty Sheehan. He helps me stay driven.. Rose Zhang is now three for three in college starts, winning the Stanford Invitational this weekend with a school-record-tying 16-under total. He is always there to check in with how I am feeling before and after the rounds. When shes not golfing, she can be found doing homework, surfing the web, watching Chinese variety shows and hanging out with friends. Theyve given me a flexible schedule to work with and when I come back from a tournament they help me catch up.. But she doesnt like to hear that. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. Rose Zhang overcame a shaky front nine to shoot a 3-over 75 on Monday, capping her stellar freshman season by becoming Stanford's second straight individual NCAA champion. A perfect Zhang story, but not often told, occurred at the 2020 Ping Invitational. In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in the Augusta National Women's Amateur. On her 19th birthday she was presented with the Annika Award for best female college golfer of the year. Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. Tiger Woods played two years at Stanford. It's been a great month of golf for me so far thanks to George Pinnell! She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. Zhang enrolled at Pacific Academy to start her seventh-grade year. And I think she knows that. If youve ever played at Oak Creek Golf Club, you may have seen her out on the course. Tempo is biggest thing for her. Hes worked with 50 AJGA All-Americans over the years, including a young Kevin Na and Anthony Kim. He believes so much in his players and loves what he is doing to help junior golfers grow. Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. BY EMILIA MIGLIACCIO AUGUST 1, 2021 Furthermore, George has shown genuine care for my mental and wellbeing outside of lessons when Im traveling for a golf tournament. Just a month and a half into taking lessons, Rose had begun entering tournaments. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. She is the second consecutive individual title winner for the Cardinal. I learned a lot more about the real world, she said. We appreciate your high standards, your persistence, your encouragement, and your sense of humor. Players field: 43 of top 50 in OWGR, no Tiger, CL: Few devils in details of Tour's event restructure, Rahm falters with 76 in wind: 'It's f**king hard', Pod: Blessings, Colonial, & remembering Sykes, Day after Pebble record, Zhang wins fall opener, Zhang low am; likely headed back to Stanford. Applied Divisor. But what does it actually take to reach this levelof achievement? After pleasantries are exchanged at the elevator, Rose goes into game-face mode. [7], Following the win, Zhang rose to number 1 in theWorld Amateur Golf Rankingin September 2020 after finishing T-11 at the2020 ANA Inspiration, an LPGA major. Its a passion.. When I didnt play golf I heard a lot more voices than when I was practicing, she said. 1-ranked women's amateur in the world. She has interests in business and management but remains undecided on a major. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. That was a big deal, she says, laughing. Within a little over half year, he was able to get Angie's confidence back and she started shooting within 70s which was previously very rare for her. Among them a two-time Mark H McCormack Medal winner (2020 and 2021) as the leading player on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur champion; 2021 U.S. Girls' Champion; two-time Rolex Junior Player of the Year; a member of the victorious 2021 U . I dont think one person could say a negative thing about Rose.. In nine college rounds, the Irvine, Calif., native has shot par or better eight times, is a collective 23 under par and has an impressive stroke average of 69.11. 1-ranked amateur in September after finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. 1st. That would be Irvine resident Rose Zhang, a senior at Pacific Academy, a high-academics kindergarten-through-12th-grade private school in Irvine. George once told me that a player doesnt know how good a coach is, until they know how much he or she, cares. She also sets difficult challenges for herself, which include making 100 4-foot putts in a row, so when I play in tournaments Ive already been in a competitive game mode, Zhang explained. Your hard work ethics are a good path for me to follow. On her 19th birthday she was presented with the Annika Award for best female college golfer of the year. Those who know 17-year-old Zhang best say shes kind, humble and funny. 8 Georgia, 1up, Won her semifinal match vs. No. [7], Following the win, Zhang rose to number 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking in September 2020 after finishing T-11 at the 2020 ANA Inspiration, an LPGA major. "Understanding what tempo I have really helps me calm down on the golf course. She put her club in her bag and said, 'OK, Dad, lets go to dinner and get ready for tomorrow,' Pinnell recalled. Shes too busy self-correcting. But her achievements have not come without routine discipline and a dedicated work ethic, and Zhang has honed in on what her keys are to success. As the warmup begins on the range, it remains quiet. We use TrackMan a lot., This impeccable self-awareness of the basics helps Zhang both technically and mentally on the course. And it helped me gain confidence in what I really want to do in the future.. 1 amateur? Maybe someday Woods will ask for a snapshot with her. The worlds number woman amateur has wasted no time in living up to that billing in her debut season in the tough grind that is American college golf. She takes the game seriously, yet accepts the results as they come. He is always there to check in with how I am feeling before and after the rounds. I learned more about how complicated the world can be., Zhang also learned about external voices thosethatcan be detrimental, if you listen to the wrong ones. Tempo is biggest thing for her. Have we seen the future of womens golf, and is her name Rose Zhang? [1], Zhang attended Pacific Academy and enrolled at Stanford University in 2021.[3][4]. It was Zhangs turn to be confused. She put her club in her bag and said, OK, Dad, lets go to dinner and get ready for tomorrow, Pinnell recalled. It helps make me relax and believe in what I do, she says. Rose Zhang defeated Gabriela Ruffles in 38 holes to claim the title. They pile into a car, driven by Henry, and usually head to the course in silence. I was always very into my golf game and didnt really have time to talk to other people. That kind of self-awareness is only possible for someone who constantly works within themselves to achieve peak performance. The last couple days weve seen really nice crowds coming out to watch them play. https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2019/07/09/rose-zhang-golf-amateur-us-womens-open-lpga/, Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Central America, Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Top 50 Modern Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, No. Rose Zhang - Women's Golf - Stanford University Athletics Skip To Main Content Pause All Rotators Skip To Main Content Stanford Athletics Main Navigation Menu Men's Sports Baseball Basketball Cross Country Fencing Football Golf Gymnastics Sailing Soccer Swimming and Diving Tennis Track and Field Volleyball Water Polo Women's Sports We could not thank George enough for devoting some of his time to Angie's interest! Zhang decided to compete at the Thunderbird International Junior tournament in Arizona the week before the U.S. Womens Open. The Cardinal, who also are missing senior Brooke Seay because of a concussion, are ranked No. Her father is her part-time caddie. Top finishers will win automatic exemptions into the prestigious Golfweek International Junior Invitational Nov 4-5 in Florida. Zhang was born in Arcadia, California and resides in Irvine, California. When I didnt play golf I heard a lot more voices than when I was practicing," she said. This July, Zhang won the U.S. Girls Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Am before the Junior. That time was tough mentally and physically, said Zhang, who could not practice for several weeks. She was just warming up. Best Rank. Georges knowledge and experience gives him the ability to be direct and speak to what changes should be made to improve my performance. She won the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur and the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship. You are a fighter with a kind and big heart to create miracles in your players. For a player who easily grasps big-picture perspectives, the value of a back-up plan surely isnt lost on her. George and I have become good friends during our time spent together during the last few years. [5][6], Zhang won the U.S. Women's Amateur in August 2020 after defeating Gabriela Ruffels in the final on the 38th hole. And she is the No. Zhang and Stanford have one more tournament on the fall schedule, the Pac-12 Preview in Hawaii the first week of November. She losther lead after a second-round75 on the challenging Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Shes competing in her third Girls Junior PGA Championship an event she won in 2017 and finished as runner-up last year which gets underway Tuesday at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, Conn. Its a far cry from where Zhangs competitive golf career began, as a 10-year-old on the Southern California PGA Junior Development Tour. Shes never said that to me.. we learned a lot from him. She was curious and dedicated, willing to put in the time needed to improve her game, asking the sort of questions that proved to the longtime coach his pupil was impressive beyond just driving distance and a knack for reading greens. I am definitely extremely grateful and blessed to have him as a coach, mentor, and friend. I spent time last year with Dave when he, myself and Martin Vousden visited the late Bill Robertsons widow Caroline. If Stanford is to repeat as NCAA champion, it may have to do so without one of its best players. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. In June 2022, Adidas announced its first name, image, and likeness deal with Zhang, making her the companys first student athlete. He has high expectations for me and he sacrificed a lot of time and effort for me. 11. My first lesson with George was 3 years ago. No mens or womens player in school history has won her first three starts, and just six womens golfers in program history have won three times in their entire careers. Zhang committed to Stanford in the spring of her sophomore year. As Georges student for the past 6 years, to say that he has helped my golf game is an understatement. Zhang also won the PING Invitational this year to become the first juniors-level two-time PING Invitational champion. Dave looked hale and healthy and said he still played golf a few times a week. 8 in the womens World Amateur Golf Ranking. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. 5 Auburn, 5&4, Won her championship match vs. No. That event was definitely very hard, Zhang said. He has a very personal style where he has individual chats with her, where he listens to her as much as she listens to him. That all changed five years ago when she swung a golf club for the first time. February 27, 2023 at 11:54 AM. Furthermore, George has shown genuine care for my mental and wellbeing outside of lessons when Im traveling for a golf tournament. Understanding what tempo I have really helps me calm down on the golf course. Zhang headed to the range afterwards, took slow practice swings to sync up her tempo and reviewed her fundamentals. AUGUSTA, Ga. Rose Zhang approached the microphone with a smile. I was always very into my golf game and didnt really have time to talk to other people. For me, Im learning so much from watching her, said Stanford womens coach Anne Walker. Stanford star's incredible start begs question: Has a historic college season just begun? With the technology and his ability to analyze my swing effectively, my game has really improved greatly in each stage of junior and amateur golf. From all indications, Rose Zhang has adjusted well to college life. 1765.2275. USGA A week before the U.S. Women's Amateur, Rose Zhang wasn't even sure she would be able to tee it up in the event. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The tournament is open to any players age 13-19 who meet the eligibility requirements and are not yet affiliated with a college golf team. 1-ranked team in the Womens Golf Coaches Association polls, having won all three team titles so far this fall. For us, Coach George Pinnell has been the best coach ever to help my daughter Alesia Barry succeed as a junior golfer. We paid a visit to Bills grave and then sat around swapping old stories. "Being able to tune out the voices I dont want to listen to and finding my inner-circle was very important., Rose is very open to people and very accepting of people, said Pinnell, and she loves to help as many people as she can. Zhang wins collegiate debut at the Molly Invitational. Over the past year Zhang, who won the 2020 U.S. Womens Amateur, has learned how quickly life can change after suffering a wrist injury that plagued her throughout the second half of 2020 and left her sidelined for six weeks over the winter. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in theAugusta National Womens Amateur. Its quite difficult, she said, because a lot of courses have closed down their short-game areas and their putting greens, and there are a lot of people who want to play golf so there are a lot of busy tee times. She had picked up her fathers club a few months earlier and happened to make contact with a ball. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. Im confident I have a chance, she says. The multi-year deal was announced on the morning of Zhang entering the U.S. Womens Open.[12]. He knows how to encourage golfers to face the challenges and he knows everything about the growth of a good junior golfer in the process. The 16-year-old phenom is a junior at Pacific Academy in Irvine, where she holds a 4.6 GPA, which is all the more amazing since she missed 50 days of school last year for tournaments.