Rose Zhang, the world no. 1 amateur golfer, is going pro.
According to The Athletic, Zhang, who is currently a sophomore at Standford University, made the announcement on Friday. She will make her professional debut at the inaugural Mizuho Americas Open.
“From my teammates to my coaches and trainers, to my friends and my family – you have all been integral in my journey, shaping me as a person and player while making sacrifices for my success. You have made it possible for me to pursue my dreams,” Zhang wrote on Instagram.
According to ESPN, the United States Golf Association granted Zhang a special exemption after her announcement. It will allow her to compete in the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California from July 6-9.
Zhang is a three-time winner of the McCormack Medal, a prize given to the world’s top amateur player. During her two seasons at Stanford, she won 12 times in 20 starts. She plans to continue pursuing her degree.
“I appreciate everyone who continues to believe and support in me as I will be embarking on this new chapter in my life. With faith in God’s plan, I’m stoked for what’s to come,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
Happy Lunar New Year. We are now 40% of our goal of meeting our $5,000 matching grant challenge with less than 8 full days to go. Every donation will be matched dollar for dollar through February 16 up to $5,000. All donations will go toward fully funding an editor position at AsAmNews and to support our reporting. You can make your tax-deductible donations here via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Stock donations and donations via DAFs are also welcomed.
Please also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X.