Rose Zhang Talks Paris, Staying In School And Her Signature Shades

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 02: Rose Zhang of the United States lines up a putt on the 15th green … [+] during the second round of the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club on June 2, 2023 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) Getty Images Rose Zhang had Caitlin Clark level expectations heaped on her shoulders when she turned pro a year ago. The Stanford product lorded over the World Amateur Golf Rankings for a record 141 weeks, clinched the individual NCAA Championship twice in a row and won the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Her 12 tournament victories as a Cardinal are a school all-time mark—one better than Tiger Woods. Last June, she hit the ground running, becoming the first player to win in their pro debut since 1951 when she outplayed Jennifer Kupcho in a playoff to win the LPGA’s Mizuho Americas Open, banking a check for $412,500. Zhang, 21, would not top a leaderboard again until this May’s Cognizant Founders Cup, but the burgeoning star never once imagined that matching her level of amateur success on the pro level would be an easy lift. “I knew it was going to be hard. I believed that when I turned pro, no matter what would happen at the Mizuho, the transition was going to be hard. Just because I played super well and ended up winning and getting my card, I knew that I had a huge season ahead of me. It was all fun, but it’s a lifestyle that I had to adjust to, so playing that one event did not dictate my impression of tour golf.” Now, getting that second win under her belt last month, carding a career-best 9-under 63 in the first round and going on to halt Nelly Korda’s record-tying LPGA Tour winning streak was a massive confidence boost. That win instilled her with an enormous sense of belonging, quashing any lingering imposter syndrome that even the most elite athletes in the world can feel. “It’s a little bit difficult when you’re out here and not winning. You’re playing against the best in the world and even your best some weeks doesn’t measure up to those who hoist the trophy, so being able to do so, and do so in that fashion, I was able to encourage myself to keep doing what I’m doing because I know that sometimes I just need that one week and I’m never too far off,” Zhang said. MORE FOR YOU WWE NXT Battleground Results, Winners And Grades From The UFC Apex That Sweet 2TB Galaxy Black Xbox Series X Will Be Mine, Cosmically SEVENTEEN ENHYPEN And TWICE Are K Pop Acts Pushing 2024 s Unprecedented Touring Growth It’s less than 50 days before the Olympics tee off in Paris, and Rose Zhang, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, is a lock for cracking team U.S.A. She is well acquainted with Le Golf National having played the course as a junior and so Zhang arrives not only with course familiarity but a longstanding affection for the City of Light. “I’ve been to Paris quite a bit and played the Golf National for the World Amateur with my teammates Rachel Kuen and Rachel Heck and it was really fun. I also have family friends there and its just such a good atmosphere, I love it there—being in Paris, being in the city, going shopping here and there and eating a lot of croissants and baguettes,” Zhang said. Signature Shades One item she won’t need to add to her shopping list is lunettes de soleil. Zhang, known to sport rose gold colored aviator style shades, has been a brand ambassador for eyewear brand Uswing for a couple of years. That endorsement deal would never have come about had her dad not dogged her to protect her eyes from the California sun when she was younger, going so far as to issue her a stern warning. “I didn’t think they looked cool. Also, I was superstitious about playing with sunglasses on because there are sunglasses that create distortion, so I was a little bit wary. Growing up in Southern California, it’s very hot and very sunny. My dad always emphasized wearing them, otherwise ‘I’d ‘go blind by the time I was 25,’ which I took to heart and helped me prioritize the longevity part of what I’m doing. It helps that Uswing created a product for people to wear and enjoy out on a golf course without having to worry about their eyes dying every time they’re out there.” After becoming the youngest player to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour in April, Miles Russell, 15, is set to make his PGA Tour debut in Detroit. As one former teen phenomenon to another, Zhang tenders this advice to Russell. “I’ve heard a lot about Miles. I know he is incredible and he also has a really good head on his shoulders,” Zhang said. “I just think that he’s in such a good part of his junior golf career. Have fun and learn from the best in the world. Being so young, you shouldn’t have any expectations for what you need to do. As long as you find something that you’ve learned that you can bring to your career later on, that’s what’s most important. Really live in the moment, enjoy the crowds, enjoy being able to play against those pros who you see on TV all the time.” CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY – MAY 12: Rose Zhang of the United States imitates taking a selfie with the … [+] trophy after winning the Cognizant Founders Cup at Upper Montclair Country Club on May 12, 2024 in Clifton, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Getty Images Staying in School When most athletes turn pro, they close the book on their studies, but Rose Zhang has chosen to stay in school while playing on the LPGA Tour, proving that matriculating and playing pro golf are not mutually exclusive endeavors. Juggling test prep with tournament prep can like working two full-time jobs which can get critics chirping. “There have been a lot of interesting opinions on my decision. A lot of people believe that I should prioritize my career. A lot of people are impressed with the balancing of the two. I think this is important for my self-growth and the longevity of what I want to do later on,” she said, adding that graduating from the Ivy league college will be a top three accomplishment in her life. To make the feat doable, she is taking her time collecting credits towards her Communications degree at Stanford, taking leaves of absence at pivotal points in the golf schedule. At her current pace, she should be attending her cap-toss ceremony in two to three years. Zhang dials into her academic pursuits with the same verve and determination she dedicates to her golf swing and is equally proud of the results, including a 98% on a recent fifteen-page paper on voter turnout and issue politics. Follow me on Twitter. Mike Dojc Following Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions