Rose Zhang won the Mizuho Americas Open on her LPGA Tour debut, only nine days after turning pro.
American Zhang, 20, defeated Jennifer Kupcho, 26, in a second-hole play-off at the 18th, becoming the first woman since Beverly Hanson in 1951 to win on her debut LPGA appearance.
After finishing nine-under-par at the Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey, the two advanced to a play-off.
“What is going on?” “I can’t believe it,” Zhang exclaimed.
“It’s been incredible to turn pro and come out here [and win].” The voyage has been enjoyable for me.
“I got a taste of everything, a taste of the pressure, a taste of the wind, and I tried to stay composed as usual.” I knew golf was a grind and that you had to dig deep.”
Zhang had an opportunity to win on the 18th hole but bogeyed, finishing on a two-over 74 to join compatriot Kupcho in the clubhouse, who fired a nine-under 69.
However, after Kupcho wasted her putt on the second hole of the play-off, she won by four strokes.
Zhang held the top spot in the women’s amateur rankings for a record 141 weeks, breaking the previous mark of 135 established by Ireland’s Leona Maguire.
In addition, she won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April and her second NCAA solo title in May.
