Rose Zhang Breaks Single-Round Scoring Record at Augusta National Women’s Amateur

The Stanford sophomore and No. 1 amateur in the world dominated on Wednesday, as expected.

During the first round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Rose Zhang—the No. 1 women’s amateur in the world and reigning D-I NCAA individual champion—proved exactly why she holds those coveted titles. 

The Stanford sophomore shot an opening 6-under 66 at Champions Retreat Golf Club, which is the lowest round in ANWA history. Zhang set the single-round scoring record with six birdies and and a bogey free card. 

She currently leads by one over Sweden’s Andrea Lignell, a senior at the University of Mississippi. 

“I feel like everything just went well. I placed the ball where I should and I was able to convert some long putts. That’s pretty essential for this kind of golf course. The short game and the putting all worked out, and that’s how I shot it,” Zhang told Golf Channel following her round. 

Making her mark 👏

Rose Zhang finishes with a 66, the lowest round in Augusta National Women's Amateur history.#ANWAgolf pic.twitter.com/R3y3QabCCw

— Augusta National Women's Amateur (@anwagolf) March 29, 2023

Zhang is looking to clinch the ANWA title and check off victories at all of the premier women’s amateur events. On top of the NCAA individual title, Zhang has won both the U.S. Junior and the U.S. Women’s Amateur. 

“It would mean the world,” Zhang said of a potential ANWA victory. “This is a championship that no one can really top in terms of the prestige, the venue, and everyone treats us so well. I think that this will hold a special place in my heart. Overall, I’m not really thinking about [winning] so far, I have a couple more days to go and I have a cut to make first.” 

The top 30 players and ties after two rounds at Champions Retreat will advance to a final round at Augusta National on Saturday.