Copyright 1996 - In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in the Augusta National Women's Amateur. After the round she went out to the range and started taking slow methodical swings with a 9-iron, going through the fundamentals that shes worked on with Pinnell all these years. Youre kidding me, Pinnell replied. Personal life [ edit] Zhang was born in Arcadia, California and resides in Irvine, California. Zhang wins collegiate debut at the Molly Invitational. I could go on, but you get the drift. Rose Zhang - Women's Golf - Stanford University Athletics Rose Zhang - AJGA But she has realized that she needs to limit her circle and try to shut out any external stuff that may be negative.. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. I think her mentality is, I can beat you. Now, she would never say that, and she would kill me for saying that, but yeah. She competed in the 2019 U.S. Women's Open and was on the gold medal team at the 2019 Pan American Games. She feels she has a tremendous amount of learning to do, even though shes way ahead. Shes too busy self-correcting. Zhang was born in Arcadia, California and resides in Irvine, California. She did not hit one shot on the range. 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 NCAA Regional for an eighth victory, then finished T-2 at the NCAA Championship. 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. 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. Only one American has earned LPGA Player of the Year honors since 1994 and that was Arkansas graduate Stacy Lewis in 2012 and 2014. https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2021/04/03/whats-next-world-no-1-rose-zhang-augusta-loss-maturing/, Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Central America, Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Top 50 Modern Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Best Rank. Through her slowed-down swings, Zhang realized that she was taking the club back too inside which was causing her to miss shots. Getty Images. Prospective Student-Athlete Questionnaire, Scoring average: 69.68 (NCAA single season record), Wins: 4 (2021 Molly Intercollegiate, 2021 Windy City Collegiate, 2021 Stanford Intercollegiate, 2022 NCAA Championships), Low round: -8 (2022 Juli Inkster Invitational 3rd Round, 64), Low tournament: -16 (2021 Stanford Intercollegiate), 1st at the Molly Intercollegiate (73-72-68=213, -3), 1st at the Windy City Collegiate (72-70-70=212, -4), 1st at the Stanford Intercollegiate (65-65-67=197, -16), Tied for 4th at the Lamkin Invitational (69-73-75=217, +1), 2nd at the Gunrock Invitational (66-68-68-202, -14), 2nd at the Juli Inkster Invitational (72-69-64-205, -11), Tied for 10th at the Ping/ASU Invitational (70-69-64=213, -3), 2nd at the Pac-12 Championships (69-70-66=205, -8), 2nd at the NCAA Stanford Regional (69-70-66=205, -8), 1st at the NCAA Championships (68-70-69-75=282, -6), Lost her quarterfinal match vs. No. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. The information and support he gives to his players is really valuable. Zhang headed to the range afterwards, took slow practice swings to sync up her tempo and reviewed her fundamentals. Shes an extremely humble youngster. BY EMILIA MIGLIACCIO AUGUST 1, 2021 8 in the womens World Amateur Golf Ranking. Stanford star Rose Zhang continued an impressive year on the course when she won the Smyth Salver at the AIG Women's Open. 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. He helps me stay driven.. MORE: Rose Zhang completes rare double with dominant victory at U.S. Girls' Junior Am Much was expected from Zhang upon her arrival in Palo Alto. Sep 28, 2021. And when Rose makes a mistake when shes playing, you dont get too nervous, because she has a way of rectifying and really coming back strong.. Stanford's Rose Zhang wins 2022 ANNIKA Award as most outstanding - NCAA I learned so much in so short a time while spending time with you at The Open. Rose Zhang has also been No. Unlike sports such as soccer and basketball, golf has a steep start-up cost before you even arrive at the range with equipment. Rose just kind of takes it in stride, Pinnell said. 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. Thank you for all to George Pinnell! If it wasnt for Henry, Rose wouldnt be the player she is today.. 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. George Pinnell has worked with Zhang for six years and said the laser-focused teen rarely has time away from her golf and studies. She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. She does some amazing things, said George Pinnell, who has been Zhangs coach going on seven years. For us, Coach George Pinnell has been the best coach ever to help my daughter Alesia Barry succeed as a junior golfer. Its a rapid rise Pinnell wishes he could credit to his own coaching. Rose Zhang, who is the top-ranked junior golfer in the world and a After Augusta National, what's next for World No. 1 Rose Zhang Privacy Policy. Rose Zhang has also been No. 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. AUGUSTA, Ga. Rose Zhang approached the microphone with a smile. 1st. 6 in Golfweek's girls junior rankings and No. They pile into a car, driven by Henry, and usually head to the course in silence. They have done wonders for me, Zhang said of Pacific Academys teachers and staff. If she heard me say that, shed be furious at me.. It was I cant, honestly, she said laughing. His way of teaching golf is very professional, and he is very experienced and nice with good personality. He cares about, and checks scores, for every single tournament his players compete in, no matter how big or small the tournament is. A perfect Zhang story, but not often told, occurredat the 2020 Ping Invitational. Then I readjust what I need to do.. Stanford star's incredible start begs question: Has a historic college She defeated then reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Gabriela Ruffles on the 36th hole to crown. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. American Junior Golf Association 1980 Sports Club Drive Braselton, GA 30517 (877) 373-2542 (770) 868-4200 (Phone) (770) 868-4211 (Fax) ajga@ajga.org Stanford star's incredible start begs question: Has a historic college season just begun? I was just like, Oh well, Ill just act natural, Zhang said. Rose Zhang was 138 yards from finishing her week in style. Remember The Name: Rose Zhang - Alistair Tait Golf And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. We see the success of Rose Zhang: her wins, her clutch putts and her consistency. She celebrated her victory by flying to Evian, France, where she competed in another LPGA major, the Amundi Evian Championship, and made the cut. George quickly put her back on track for progress and health. We are so lucky to be working with a truly talented coach. Golf Central Zhang low am; likely headed back to Stanford BY. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. What makes Rose Zhang the No. 1 amateur? She and her coach detail the But composure has hardly been a struggle for Zhang. 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. Its been 19 years since Lorena Ochoa had what many consider the most dominant single season in womens college golf history. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. George quickly put her back on track for progress and health. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) "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. Terms of Service 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. 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. She can be as good as she wants to be, Pinnell said. Neighbours cast announcement: Who will be back for iconic TV soap's 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. Much was expected from Zhang upon her arrival in Palo Alto. He also teaches parents some advanced ideas about golf and how to become a good parent of a good golfer. 11. She and her coach detail the keys to success. Now 16, shes soared up the amateur rankings, featured on the LPGA and verbally committed to Stanford in the class of 2021. Now Im going to Seattle University on a golf scholarship, I can certainly say that Ive grow a tremendous amount as an athlete in the golf game and as a wholesome individual because of his genuine care and teachings. I am definitely extremely grateful and blessed to have him as a coach, mentor, and friend. In total the Players that have received instruction from George have accounted for 350+ tournament wins on the Professional, College and Junior levels. 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. Tempo is biggest thing for her. Oct 17, 2021. She is the second consecutive individual title winner for the Cardinal. Dave was a member of the Association of Golf Writers since 1986, giving great service to the association over the years. Zhang has played her first nine rounds of college golf in in 23 under par, with an average score of 69.1. Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Shot 64 to finish 2nd stage Japan Q-school to finish 3rd!!! USE OF AND/OR REGISTRATION ON ANY PORTION OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF OURVISITOR AGREEMENT(UPDATED 1/6/23),PRIVACY AND COOKIES NOTICE(UPDATED 1/4/23) ANDCALIFORNIA PRIVACY NOTICE. Its like having another me there to share the experiences.. But when I'm ready, I think I will know it when I'm ready.. Zhang carries a 4.6 grade-point average. Watching her overall, the main word I take away is shes a joy to be around and a very patient player.. I got to test my game against them, Zhang said, so that was certainly a special experience.. The discipline and focus are off-the-charts high. They like to keep it tight with few loose-moving parts. While her coach said any number of things can sidetrack a burgeoning career be it injuries, other hobbies or a burnout he doesnt expect it to happen to Zhang. The multi-year deal was announced on the morning of Zhang entering the U.S. Womens Open.[12]. 6 in Golfweeks girls junior rankings and No. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. It's been a great month of golf for me so far thanks to George Pinnell! The information and support he gives to his players is really valuable. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Rose Zhang Player Profile - Amateur Golf There are too many stories of beacons of light that burned out as soon as money became all important. Zhang finished 1-over 289, making the cut in her first LPGA start. Aside from 11th in last years ANA, she made the cut in Evian Championship this year. This will be Zhang's second U.S. Women's Open start. I think shes going to blow any hard worker Ive ever had on my team away, said Cardinal coach Anne Walker. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). Golfweekrecently caught up with Heather Daly-Donofrio, a former LPGA player and tour executive who leads the program. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Home What makes Rose Zhang the No. She cites her putting game as one of her strengths. Steve also writes a weekly column that covers pro and college sports, and other topics. Theyve given me a flexible schedule to work with and when I come back from a tournament they help me catch up.. The greatest golf coach you've (probably) never heard of She never gets away from that, said Pinnell. First, she stays in the present. His way of teaching golf is very professional, and he is very experienced and nice with good personality. As Georges student for the past 6 years, to say that he has helped my golf game is an understatement. Zhang has also signed with Amundi, Beats, Uswing and Paradox. She's a golf prodigy and the world's No. 1 amateur. Her season at The best womens amateur golfer in the world signed with Stanford. Sometimes I tend to quick it up and I definitely feel it. Not surprisingly, the Cardinal are the No. In recent years, players of Zhangs caliber have bypassed college golf or made their stays short. During my first few classes, George already corrected nearly unnoticeable but very crucial mistakes in just my set up that I had never even realized. Pinnell, like so many others, believes Zhang could be a generational type of player:I think that is in her veins.. Amateur, but the first to win the Amateur before the Junior, Won the 2020Rolex Girls Junior Championship, 2020 ANA Inspiration Low Amateur, breaking Michelle Wie's scoring record (T11th), 2019 winner at the Toyota Junior World Cup, Swinging Skirts AJGA Invitational and Rolex Tournament of Champions, Represented Team USA at the 2019 Junior Solheim Cup and Pan-American Games, Four-time Curtis Cup Player of the Year for Southern California. I spent time last year with Dave when he, myself and Martin Vousden visited the late Bill Robertsons widow Caroline. It feels like Rose Zhang wins a lot more than she loses. So what She doesnt make many mistakes. [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. The West Coast Junior Open will feature daily coverage on and will be ranked by both the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings and The Junior Golf Scoreboard. Rose Zhang, who is the top-ranked junior golfer in the world and a student at Irvine's Pacific Academy, signs with Stanford She is a senior at Pacific Academy in Irvine Pacific Academy's Rose. And when she shot 3 over on the first two holes Thursday, Pinnell thought, This is going to be really hard., But on the other hand, I know Rose, Pinnell said. 21.8301. All rights reserved. She won the 2020 U.S. Now, with a Girls Junior PGA and ANA Junior Inspiration championship under her belt (which landed her an LPGA. He helps me stay driven.. What is it about Zhang that makes her so good? He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. At the 2019 Pan American Games, she was on the winning U.S. mixed-gender team and placed eighth in the individual competition. 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. Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. Furthermore, George has shown genuine care for my mental and wellbeing outside of lessons when Im traveling for a golf tournament. For a player who easily grasps big-picture perspectives, the value of a back-up plan surely isnt lost on her. Applied Divisor. Annual AGW dinners at the Open Championship would not have taken place if not for the sterling work of Dave and former AGW treasurer Bob Davies. It was tough to sit down and take a break to rest my wrist and arm. Graduated from Pacific Academy in Irvine, Calif. Two-time McCormack Medal winner, given to the world's top amateur golfer, Joins Lydia Ko (2011-13), New Zealand, and Leona Maguire (2015-17), of the Republic of Ireland as multiple recipients of the McCormack Medal, Competed in fourLPGA major championships in 2021, making the cut in the Amundi Evian Championship, Represented Team USA at the 2021 Curtis Cup, Finished third at the 2021 Augusta National Women's Amateur, Earned runner-up finish in the LPGA Symetra Tour's Carlisle Arizona Women's Golf Classic, Just the eighth player to win both the U.S. Rose Zhang defeated Gabriela Ruffles in 38 holes to claim the title. Thanks for everything George. 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. She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. I really enjoyed everything about Stanford. Stanford, Zhang victorious at Windy City Collegiate. Girls' Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Ambefore theJunior. Teen Golfer Rose Zhang Interview - Yahoo 2022 won her fifth college tournament at the Carmel Cup setting a Pebble Beach Golf Links Womens record with a 63. Shes arguably the best American junior golfer to come along in a decade and many wonder how time at Stanford starting later this fall could possibly help her advance. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. 1-ranked amateur in Septemberafter finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. 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 [5][6], Zhang won theU.S. Womens Amateurin August 2020 after defeatingGabriela Ruffelsin the final on the 38th hole. At the2019 Pan American Games, she was on the winning U.S.mixed-gender teamand placed eighth in theindividual competition. I just think that college is the place where Ill be able to play even better, shoot better scores and mature as a person and character., Rose Zhang during the final round of the Augusta National Womens Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 03, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not have current access may request their free account here. She started playing golf after her father Henry got golf clubs from a friend. 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. Shell be three back of the leader and the next thing you know, she finds a way to get something done.. Then I readjust what I need to do.. Zhang made the final round and finished 17th. 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. Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. While Zhang had fun meeting the 22-year-old star, she didnt seem overwhelmed by the experience like other amateurs who Pinnell has introduced to pros in the past. I love Rose, said another future Cardinal teammate Rachel Heck, I think everybody does. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. That time was tough mentally and physically, said Zhang, who could not practice for several weeks. Rose Zhang - Wikipedia If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. Zhang and Stanford have one more tournament on the fall schedule, the Pac-12 Preview in Hawaii the first week of November. 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. Take Rose Zhang, for example. The same goes for junior golf, too. Before that I looked at schools around California like USC, UCLA and Stanford, said Zhang who has not participated in CIF-Southern Section golf. Heck won five straight tournaments to cap her freshman year in the spring. She won the U.S. Womens Amateur title in 2020, the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur title in July and has held the No. The 2023 Golfweek Southwest Junior Open returns May 27-28, to award winning Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, AZ. 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. "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. How the U.S. Women's Am champ defied her coach's orders to win - Golf But what does it actually take to reach this level of achievement? He has high expectations for me and he sacrificed a lot of time and effortfor me. Rose Zhang initially thought tennis would be her calling. [8][9] She has won the Mark H. McCormack Medal as the top-ranked amateur three times, at the end of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons.[10][11][12]. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking since September 2020. Zhangs father was on the bag during her low-am run at the 2020 ANA and her U.S. Womens Amateur win. Zhang headed to the range afterwards, took slow practice swings to sync up her tempo and reviewed her fundamentals. [5][6], Zhang won the U.S. Women's Amateur in August 2020 after defeating Gabriela Ruffels in the final on the 38th hole. She has a lot of great opportunities and when she has those opportunities she has the mental fortitude to stay patient, stay calm, stay focussed. In 2022, Callaway Golf announced its first name, image, and likeness deal with Zhang, making her the companys first student athlete. Rose Zhang - George Pinnell Golf Academy