If she heard me say that, shed be furious at me.. I was just like, Oh well, Ill just act natural, Zhang said. George Pinnell has worked with Zhang for six years and said the laser-focused teen rarely has time away from her golf and studies. On her 19th birthday she was presented with the Annika Award for best female college golfer of the year. 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. Zhang is the only high school student, by the way, among the top 20 female amateur golfers in the world. The 2023 Golfweek Southwest Junior Open returns May 27-28, to award winning Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, AZ. 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. As we know, amateur success doesnt guarantee riches in professional golf. Here's a look at this season's current boys basketball statewide leaders in points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, free throws and 3-pointers. Rose Zhang kicked off her sophomore season with a Pebble Beach course record and later a dominating victory at the Carmel Cup. Stanford freshman Rose Zhang at Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. I showcased this inspiration almost immediately after receiving the award when I won the Rolex Tournament of Champions to start off 2020. It was tough to sit down and take a break to rest my wrist and arm. The fact that you will drive all the way to The Olympic Club, in San Francisco and back, proves that you are a real champion deserving of all the accolades, titles and trophies that your players win. His ability to recognize anything from small details to major mistakes has greatly improved the consistency of my swing. She had an old head on young shoulders, Pinnell said. I love Rose, said another future Cardinal teammate Rachel Heck, I think everybody does. She does some amazing things, said George Pinnell, who has been Zhangs coach going on seven years. His list of players include a PGA Tour Champion, a LPGA Tour Champion, an USGA Champion, 2-NCAA All-Americans, and 31 Polo Junior All-Americans. 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. Just a month and a half into taking lessons, Rose had begun entering tournaments. He has helped her get to a place where she can focus on what she needs to do. She also credits her father for developing her into a tough competitor. When I didnt play golf I heard a lot more voices than when I was practicing," she said. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. ; Players who represented the country they moved to in . She takes the game seriously, yet accepts the results as they come. In 2019, Zhang advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Girls' Junior and helped the USA win a mixed team gold medal in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. I got to test my game against them, Zhang said, so that was certainly a special experience.. She was just warming up. It helps make me relax and believe in what I do, she says. Girls' Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Ambefore theJunior. Tempo is biggest thing for her. 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. And she is the No. Women used to not be allowed to even practice there.. This is where I think some of the best teaching happens. In the golf circles Im pretty well known, but at school I really dont say anything, she told me. That all changed five years ago when she swung a golf club for the first time. George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. Reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Rose Zhang spoke to the media before competing in the 2020 U.S. Women's Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.. 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. Her father is her part-time caddie. [1], Zhang attended Pacific Academy and enrolled at Stanford University in 2021.[3][4]. After this recognition in 2019, I was inspired to get to reach new heights in my golf game and in my character. I have been working with George since I was 14. This is Augusta National. This July, Zhang won the U.S. It changed my daily schedule that I was so used to., Although frustrating at times, the break was a turning point in Zhangs career. Stanford, Zhang victorious at Windy City Collegiate. 6 in Golfweek's girls junior rankings and No. Zhang chalked it up to bad course management. Shes an extremely humble youngster. 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. I dont really want to take any bad memories away from here.. (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. Zhang said she watched how LPGA players went about their business at the ANA Inspiration in 2018, a tournament Zhang qualified for when she won the ANA Junior Inspiration tournament as a 14-year-old. 34. She played with Bronte Law, Atthaya Thitikul and Angel Yin. When on the road with Zhang at an event, the coach and pupil have a most unusual pre-game routine. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. She never actually hit a golf ball. Within 10 minutes, I had it, Zhang told her coach after the tournament. 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. Rose Zhang has also been No. In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in theAugusta National Womens Amateur. Shes never said that to me.. But she has realized that she needs to limit her circle and try to shut out any external stuff that may be negative.. But what does it actually take to reach this level of achievement? It was really a special day for women in golf. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. She'll be competing for the U.S. in the Pan American Games in August, Pinnell said. I learned a lot more about the real world, she said. Im confident I have a chance, she says. When shes not golfing, she can be found doing homework, surfing the web, watching Chinese variety shows and hanging out with friends. 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. Bront Wittpenn/The Chronicle Zhang has spent the past 104. Its just more hassle to go around and see which courses I can play at.. Top finishers will win automatic exemptions into the prestigious Golfweek International Junior Invitational Nov 4-5 in Florida. Over the past three years, George has been my coach/swing coach. Pinnell doesnt speak unless Zhang initiates. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. I think shes going to blow any hard worker Ive ever had on my team away, said Cardinal coach Anne Walker. 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. At the2019 Pan American Games, she was on the winning U.S.mixed-gender teamand placed eighth in theindividual competition. 21.8301. Steady on, I hear you say, youre the man whos always saying predict future superstars at your peril. . George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. Have we seen the future of womens golf, and is her name Rose Zhang? 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. That kind of self-awareness is only possible for someone who constantly works within themselves to achieve peak performance. 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's game has risen to new heights (just don't tell her that)", "202122 Women's Golf Roster Rose Zhang", "Migliaccio, U.S. team bring home gold medals at Pan-Am Games", "Players of year Maxwell Moldovan, Rose Zhang headline AJGA All-Americans", "Rose Zhang wins U.S. Women's Amateur after Gabriela Ruffels' repeat hopes end on lip-out", "Rose Zhang's late-summer hot streak results in WAGR bump, Mark H. McCormack Medal", "Rose Zhang Earns Third Mark H McCormack Medal", "Adidas signs its first name, image, likeness deal with female golfer", "No. Pinnell was uncertain how Zhang would handle the Country Club of Charleston course on short rest. Rose Zhang initially thought tennis would be her calling. Its been 19 years since Lorena Ochoa had what many consider the most dominant single season in womens college golf history. He also teaches parents some advanced ideas about golf and how to become a good parent of a good golfer. And not only does he teach my daughter golf skills, he also coaches her on mental guidance and how to be a better person. Shot 64 to finish 2nd stage Japan Q-school to finish 3rd!!! This is where I think some of the best teaching happens. Then I readjust what I need to do.. Only one American has earned LPGA Player of the Year honors since 1994 and that was Arkansas graduate Stacy Lewis in 2012 and 2014. Zhang was born in Arcadia, California and resides in Irvine, California. She also credits her father for developing her into a tough competitor. 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. 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 Former colleague Beth Ann Nichols quotes Stanford womens golf coach Anne Walker as saying: Walker expanded on that notion to the Stanford website. Zhang processes things differently, he said. MORE: Rose Zhang completes rare double with dominant victory at U.S. He believes so much in his players and loves what he is doing to help junior golfers grow. Zhang headed to the range afterwards, took slow practice swings to sync up her tempo and reviewed her fundamentals. He is very experienced and is truly an amazing person. 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. His way of teaching golf is very professional, and he is very experienced and nice with good personality. Her father has been with her every step of the way and has been very instrumental for Rose on her mental outlook on the game and on life, said Pinnell. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking since September 2020. We see the success of Rose Zhang: her wins, her clutch putts and her consistency. 20022023 Irvine Company, LLC. She asked for it while rep- resenting America at the Junior Ryder Cup in Paris in 2018. Junior and U.S. 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. 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. But were these questions really from a middle schooler, when they read more like something a 20-year-old would ask? She finished as the runner-up and arrived on a red-eye flight to South Carolina on Tuesday, two days before the major began. 2021 Won her first three college tournaments as a Stanford freshman, breaking Tiger Woods record. Rose Zhang makes it three in a row at Stanford Intercollegiate. She defeated then reigning U.S. Womens Amateur champion Gabriela Ruffles on the 36th hole to crown herself the champ last year, and officially became the No. 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. Zhang wins collegiate debut at the Molly Invitational. It's been a great month of golf for me so far thanks to George Pinnell! In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. She won the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur and the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship. Shot 64 to finish 2nd stage Japan Q-school to finish 3rd!!! Thanks for everything George. 21.8301. Golfweekrecently caught up with Heather Daly-Donofrio, a former LPGA player and tour executive who leads the program. Zhang has a snapshot of herself with Irvines best-known golfer: Tiger Woods. Phil Mickelson won three NCAA titles at ASU. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open. She won the U.S. Women's Amateur title in. we learned a lot from him. 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. We see so many coaches with elite talent who dont totally know what to do with that talent, said Walker, and they get overwhelmed with it themselves., Rose Zhang hugs Ingrid Lindblad on the 18th green during the final round of the Augusta National Womens Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 03, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. She defeated then reigning U.S. Womens Amateur champion Gabriela Ruffles on the 36th hole to crown herself the champ last year,and officially became the No. Zhang made the final round and finished 17th. Shes more golf genius than I realised, but that doesnt surprise me., Her patience is unreal. In school, Zhang has the benefit of a deep roster to provide motive her to work each day. Before our friend referred us to Coach George, Angie was at a standstill and shot in the upper 80s and even 90s with consistent back pain after her freshman Fall season in December 2019. When I first came to him when I was 11, his way of teaching really intrigued me with all the technology he had including Trackman, his side/front swing cameras, and his large TVs. He'll return for her title defense in the latter, which begins Monday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. 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. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? Within a little over half year, he was able to get Angie's confidence back and she started shooting within 70s which was previously very rare for her. It was Zhangs turn to be confused. We are so lucky to be working with a truly talented coach. A perfect Zhang story, but not often told, occurred at the 2020 Ping Invitational. Thanks to George, I am always able to find my confidence again and focus on my game. During the extended range session, Zhang is intensely focused on the second key to her success her fundamentals. 1-ranked team in the Womens Golf Coaches Association polls, having won all three team titles so far this fall. Dave looked hale and healthy and said he still played golf a few times a week. Not many reading this will know of the Dave Hamilton. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open. He has helped her get to a place where she can focus on what she needs to do. What makes Rose Zhang the No. George has been a critical part of my development as a player both physically and mentally as he has provided me great advice not only in golf but in life as well. Statistics. Aug 28, 2021. She and her coach detail the keys to success. I am truly grateful for everything George has taught me in both golf and life. She was on the cusp of winning the 72nd US Girls' Junior Championship at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Md., but had lost the. That was very frustrating since she started golf late and had only been playing for two and half years. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. Her game is clearly ready for that next step. The last couple days weve seen really nice crowds coming out to watch them play. Privacy Policy. Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. On her 19th birthday she was presented with the Annika Award for best female college golfer of the year. He is always there to check in with how I am feeling before and after the rounds. Im pretty in tune in knowing what my body is doing," she said. She put her club in her bag and said, 'OK, Dad, lets go to dinner and get ready for tomorrow,' Pinnell recalled. In May 2022, Zhang won the individualNCAA Championshipby 3 shots. My daughter Alice ziyi Zhao is lucky and proud to have George Pinnell as her golf coach, she likes his teaching very much. 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. She competed in the2019 U.S. Womens Openat 16 years of age. She feels she has a tremendous amount of learning to do, even though shes way ahead. He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. 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). Much was expected from Zhang upon her arrival in Palo Alto. 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. 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. He helps me stay driven.. 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. As the warmup begins on the range, it remains quiet. 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. Zhang finished 1-over 289, making the cut in her first LPGA start. Oct 04, 2021. She doesnt make many mistakes. My first lesson with George was 3 years ago. If youve ever played at Oak Creek Golf Club, you may have seen her out on the course. The information and support he gives to his players is really valuable. The writers gathered round laughed too. Seeing her hang around on LPGA starts only further cemented the idea. 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. Which is what makes Roses reaction to a tough loss all the more impressive. We could not thank George enough for devoting some of his time to Angie's interest! But remember the name: Zhang looks like the real deal. No way.. Rose Zhang has also been No. That was on full display when she came up one shot short of a playoff at Augusta National, watching a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th slide right of the hole. Rose Zhang stood several paces to the side as Gabriela Ruffels leaned over her par putt attempt at the 38th hole Sunday afternoon, fully expecting her opponent to sink the four-footer to extend. Not even Stanford alumni Tiger Woods managed that. They have done wonders for me, Zhang said of Pacific Academys teachers and staff. She competed in the 2019 U.S. Women's Open and was on the gold medal team at the 2019 Pan American Games. To be in a position to earn Rolex Player of the Year honors again in 2020 was arduous. Zhang arrived at Stanford with a string of amateur accomplishments to her name to match what Woods achieved in the unpaid game. We could not thank George enough for devoting some of his time to Angie's interest! Shes too busy self-correcting. True, so lets not hand the precocious teenager a trophy cabinet full of major silverware just yet. I have been working with George since I was 14. Wins. 1765.2275. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Dave was a member of the Association of Golf Writers since 1986, giving great service to the association over the years. [5][6], Zhang won the U.S. Women's Amateur in August 2020 after defeating Gabriela Ruffels in the final on the 38th hole. My first lesson with George was 3 years ago. To be out there together with him is pretty cool, she said. Heck won five straight tournaments to cap her freshman year in the spring. 2022 won her fifth college tournament at the Carmel Cup setting a Pebble Beach Golf Links Womens record with a 63. 1 amateur? Irvine skater brings home gold for U.S.A. Unlike sports such as soccer and basketball, golf has a steep start-up cost before you even arrive at the range with equipment. 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.