Rose Zhang Makes History With Thrilling Win in LPGA Debut

The two-time defending NCAA champion had tons of hype entering her professional debut—and somehow topped expectations.

All week long, Rose Zhang somehow exceeded the hype that preceded her arrival at the Mizuho Americas Open in Jersey City, N.J. With the pressure at its peak in Sunday’s final round, the rookie emerged victorious, defeating Jennifer Kupcho in a two-hole sudden death playoff, making history by winning by becoming the first woman in 72 years to win her first professional start.

Zhang entered the day in sole possession of the lead at 11-under par through three rounds, but struggled with a birdie-less round on Sunday, finishing 2-over par after 18 holes. Kupcho was 3-under on the day to force the playoff. Zhang had previously been under par in each of the first three rounds of the tournament, including a 6-under on Saturday.

Zhang and Kupcho each saved par after wayward tee shots on the first playoff hole, then Zhang made par on the second playoff hole to secure the win after Kupcho bogeyed. The key shot came on Zhang’s approach on the final hole, when she managed to hit the ball within 10 feet of the pin.

What. A. Shot. 🔥

Rose Zhang knocks one close on the second playoff hole at Liberty National

Watch now on @GolfChannel! pic.twitter.com/dc98bCIOed

— LPGA (@LPGA) June 5, 2023

Zhang arrived at Liberty National two weeks removed from making history as the first woman in NCAA history to win back-to-back national championships. Now, the Stanford alum—who just turned 20—becomes the first woman since Beverly Hanson at the 1951 Eastern Open to win her first professional start.