Top-ranked amateur female golfer Rose Zhang announces decision to turn professional
The Stanford sophomore, who leaves the amateur ranks having held top spot in the women's world amateur golf ranking for a record 141 consecutive weeks, will make her pro debut at the LPGA's June 1st-4th Mizuho Americas Open in New Jersey.
"The endless love, support and inspiration from so many people brought me to this point of my golf career," Zhang wrote on Instagram.
"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."
In her two seasons at Stanford, Zhang won 12 times in 20 starts, surpassing, among others, Tiger Woods for most victories in the school's history.
After her announcement, Zhang was given special exemption into three majors: the June 22nd-25th Women's PGA Championship at Baltusrol, July 6th-9th US Women's Open at Pebble Beach and August 10th-13th Women's Open in Surrey, England.
Earlier this week, Zhang won the NCAA individual title for a second consecutive year, making her the first woman to do so.
Her other achievements include victories at the 2020 US Women's Amateur, 2021 US Girls' Junior and 2023 Augusta National Women's Amateur.