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. Rose Zhang (born May 24, 2003 [1]) is an American amateur golfer. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? The 2023 Golfweek Southwest Junior Open returns May 27-28, to award winning Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, AZ. Shes never said that to me.. 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. This is where I think some of the best teaching happens. Zhang arrived at Stanford with a string of amateur accomplishments to her name to match what Woods achieved in the unpaid game. 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. Steve was honored as Champion for Character by the CIF-Southern Section. 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 U.S. Girls Junior Amateur title in July, Heck won five straight tournaments to cap her freshman year in the spring. We appreciate your high standards, your persistence, your encouragement, and your sense of humor. She has interests in business and management but remains undecided on a major. Girls' Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Ambefore theJunior. As George Pinnell received more and more text messages from Rose Zhang, full of advanced questions about golf, he grew more and more confused. That all changed five years ago when she swung a golf club for the first time. 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. You are a fighter with a kind and big heart to create miracles in your players. Bront Wittpenn/The Chronicle Zhang has spent the past 104. 1 amateur? 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. I think shes going to blow any hard worker Ive ever had on my team away, said Cardinal coach Anne Walker. I dont really want to take any bad memories away from here.. The Irvine, California native has just won the Stanford Intercollegiate by four shots after rounds of 65, 65 and 67 for a 16-under 197 to tie teammate Rachel Heck for Stanford's 54-hole scoring record. She acted so naturally, in fact, she ended up winning the one-day event, setting in motion the start of a promising career that soon crossed paths with Pinnell, who began coaching her about five years ago. That would be Irvine resident Rose Zhang, a senior at Pacific Academy, a high-academics kindergarten-through-12th-grade private school in Irvine. 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 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. Through her slowed-down swings, Zhang realized that she was taking the club back too inside which was causing her to miss shots. I could go on, but you get the drift. She is the second consecutive individual title winner for the Cardinal. He has high expectations for me and he sacrificed a lot of time and effort for me. Golf Central Zhang low am; likely headed back to Stanford BY. 21.8301. Share via Email: Americas No.1 junior golfer, Share via Twitter: Americas No.1 junior golfer, Share via LinkedIn: Americas No.1 junior golfer, Share via Facebook: Americas No.1 junior golfer, IRVINES ARTISTIC SWIMMING TEAM MAKES A SPLASH. He has helped her get to a place where she can focus on what she needs to do. In total the Players that have received instruction from George have accounted for 350+ tournament wins on the Professional, College and Junior levels. 1-ranked amateur in September after finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. I am truly grateful for everything George has taught me in both golf and life. Theyve given me a flexible schedule to work with and when I come back from a tournament they help me catch up.. 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. 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. She started playing golf after her father Henry got golf clubs from a friend. Heck won five straight tournaments to cap her freshman year in the spring. She jumped in with LPGA Hall of Fame champ Patty Sheehan. Phil Mickelson won three NCAA titles at ASU. For now, I don't really have any intention of turning professional. They have done wonders for me, Zhang said of Pacific Academys teachers and staff. The Cardinal, who also are missing senior Brooke Seay because of a concussion, are ranked No. 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. When pressed for an example, Pinnell tells a story from the AJGA Ping Invitational last October, when Zhang fell four strokes back after a 75. 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. They like to keep it tight with few loose-moving parts. Not the case with Pinnell, who spends a lot of time with Zhangworking on structure in the golf swing. Just a month and a half into taking lessons, Rose had begun entering tournaments. Rose Zhang is now three for three in college starts, winning the Stanford Invitational this weekend with a school-record-tying 16-under total. The LPGA can be a lonely life, said Ye. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. I really love the game of golf, she says. Pinnell didnt hear that story until a week later, and in that moment he finally understood why she rarely contacts him during a tournament with questions. 34. 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 . Zhang enrolled at Pacific Academy to start her seventh-grade year. How much of that history Rose Zhang is aware of is unknown, but the 18-year-old Stanford freshman is likely to learn more of it in the coming week as she embarks on one of the more anticipated college debuts in recent memoryand starts to follow the legend of Ochoa. We could not thank George enough for devoting some of his time to Angie's interest! That time was tough mentally and physically, said Zhang, who could not practice for several weeks. AUGUSTA, Ga. Rose Zhang is the World No. If youve ever played at Oak Creek Golf Club, you may have seen her out on the course. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not have current access may request their free account here. Within a couple of months, she was competing in tournaments. [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]. Zhang has played her first nine rounds of college golf in in 23 under par, with an average score of 69.1. 1-ranked amateur womens golfer on Earth. Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. Copyright 1996 - 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. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. He has helped her get to a place where she can focus on what she needs to do. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. The writers gathered round laughed too. We see the success of Rose Zhang: her wins, her clutch putts and her consistency. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. It was really a special day for women in golf. Nov 02, 2021. We all should learn the life lessons, attitude and the tenacious fighting spirit that you have toward difficulties that you face. Rose just kind of takes it in stride, Pinnell said. And after some lessons, she entered a nine-hole tournament to test her game. For a player who easily grasps big-picture perspectives, the value of a back-up plan surely isnt lost on her. 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. He is very experienced and is truly an amazing person. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. The discipline and focus are off-the-charts high. Her game is clearly ready for that next step. I was just like, Oh well, Ill just act natural, Zhang said. Annika Sorenstam played two years at Arizona, as did Lorena Ochoa. 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. Rose Zhang won the U.S. 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. She does some amazing things, said George Pinnell, who has been Zhangs coach going on seven years. From all indications, Rose Zhang has adjusted well to college life. Sometimes I tend to quick it up and I definitely feel it. Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. Within 10 minutes, I had it, Zhang told her coach after the tournament. The information and support he gives to his players is really valuable. 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. Then I readjust what I need to do.. U.S. Women's Open Playing Record 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. She then clinched Stanfords second NCAA team title by winning the final match, 3 and 1. She feels she has a tremendous amount of learning to do, even though shes way ahead. 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. Rose Zhang during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 03, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. He has high expectations for me and he sacrificed a lot of time and effortfor me. My first lesson with George was 3 years ago. I just think that college is the place where I'll be able to play even better, shoot better scores and mature as a person and character. Aside from 11th in last years ANA, she made the cut in Evian Championship this year. Aug 28, 2021. Zhangs father was on the bag during her low-am run at the 2020 ANA and her U.S. Women's Amateur win. Rose Zhang has also been No. When shes not golfing, she can be found doing homework, surfing the web, watching Chinese variety shows and hanging out with friends. That was a big deal, she says, laughing. We use TrackMan a lot., This impeccable self-awareness ofthe basics helps Zhang both technically and mentally on the course. Rose Zhang, who is the top-ranked junior golfer, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Rose Zhang, who is the top-ranked junior golfer in the world and a student at Irvines Pacific Academy, signs with Stanford, Orange County scores and player stats for Saturday, March 4, Orange County girls water polo Top 10: Orange Lutheran finishes No. For me, Im learning so much from watching her, said Stanford womens coach Anne Walker. For us, Coach George Pinnell has been the best coach ever to help my daughter Alesia Barry succeed as a junior golfer. 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. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. Now 16, shes soared up the amateur rankings, featured on the LPGA and verbally committed to Stanford in the class of 2021. PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif. - No. 21.8301. She won the U.S. Women's Amateur title in. 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. She and her coach detail the keys to success. To be out there together with him is pretty cool, she said. Hes always been the one to push me further and that really helps me get into the grit mindset,which takes over into my golf game, said Rose. Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? 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. Since receiving those text messages full of advanced golf questions, Pinnell has had an idea of Zhangs potential. She competed in the 2019 U.S. Women's Open and was on the gold medal team at the 2019 Pan American Games. she improved much under his good teaching and is on the way to succeed as a junior golfer step by step. But her achievements havenot come without routine discipline and a dedicated work ethic, and Zhang has honed in on what her keys are to success. On Sunday at the Stanford Invitational, Zhang finished her third college start for the Cardinal with her third victory. Since then, Zhangs diligence toward golf has paid off in wins. In the golf circles Im pretty well known, but at school I really dont say anything, she told me. Coming from that week, I learned a lot, and could gain more improvement on my game. Youre kidding me, Pinnell replied. It was I cant, honestly, she said laughing. She competed in the2019 U.S. Womens Openat 16 years of age. I got to test my game against them, Zhang said, so that was certainly a special experience.. 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. Oct 04, 2021. 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. 1 amateur? She was just warming up. But what does it actually take to reach this levelof achievement? Stanford, Zhang victorious at Windy City Collegiate. 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). Former colleague Beth Ann Nichols quotes Stanford womens golf coach Anne Walker as saying: Walker expanded on that notion to the Stanford website. If Stanford is to repeat as NCAA champion, it may have to do so without one of its best players. Several times different people mentioned like this reminds them back in the day when Tiger was here in the 1990s and people in the community knew the players and were watching the players and wanting to come out and see them in person. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. At the 2019 U.S. Womens Open, Pinnell saw Lydia Ko in the clubhouse and reintroduced himself to the 15-time LPGA winner. 1 in the American Junior Golf Association rankings for more than 53 weeks. we learned a lot from him. But she has realized that she needs to limit her circle and try to shut out any external stuff that may be negative.. I learned so much in so short a time while spending time with you at The Open. And after watching her spend time practicing on the range,. He also teaches parents some advanced ideas about golf and how to become a good parent of a good golfer. 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. She is disciplined beyond belief.. 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.