On Sunday, May 4, Rose Zhang achieved an extraordinary milestone by becoming the first woman in 72 years to win her LPGA Tour debut, following in the footsteps of Beverly Hanson in 1951, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Zhang secured the victory by defeating Jennifer Kupcho in a playoff on the second hole at the Mizuho Americas Open.
The remarkable accomplishment caught the attention of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, who expressed his thoughts on Twitter. Woods highlighted Zhang’s incredible few weeks, which included successfully defending her NCAA title and then triumphing in her professional debut. Woods cheered on Zhang, referring to her as a member of the Stanford Cardinal community: “Go card!”
Zhang’s recent achievements extend beyond her LPGA Tour win. Just a fortnight ago, she became the first woman ever to win back-to-back individual NCAA Championships, with her Stanford team also capturing the team title. During her senior season, Zhang surpassed Woods in Cardinal history, accumulating an impressive 12 college victories, one more than Woods’ previous record of 11.
Incredible few weeks for Rose Zhang, defends her NCAA title and then wins in her Pro debut. Go card!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) June 5, 2023
The similarities between the accomplished golf legend and the 20-year-old rising star don’t stop there. Fans have also noticed the parallels and couldn’t help but draw comparisons between them.
What makes Zhang’s feat even more remarkable is that she accomplished it without playing her best golf. Despite not recording a single birdie in her final round, she consistently made impressive par saves. Although she narrowly missed a crucial par putt on the 18th hole, sending the tournament into a playoff, Zhang displayed incredible composure. On the second playoff hole, she executed an outstanding approach shot, landing it within seven feet of the hole. Kupcho faltered with a bogey, allowing Zhang to comfortably secure victory with a two-putt.
To receive recognition from Woods so soon after her achievement speaks volumes about the magnitude of Zhang’s accomplishments. While she has already achieved remarkable milestones in her career, the acknowledgment from Woods adds an extra layer of significance.
