Rose Zhang: 4 things to know about the Augusta National Women’s Amateur contender

Rose Zhang is making waves at the 2021 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, the second edition of the new annual championship at Augusta National Golf Club. Ahead of Saturday’s final round at the historic club and home of next week’s Masters, Zhang held a share of the lead with Ingrid Lindblad after two solid rounds at Champions Retreat.

But who is Rose Zhang? Considering she’s an up-and-coming amateur, you’re not to blame for not being in the know. But she’s bound to be featured on LPGA leaderboards for years to come, so here are a few tidbits of background information to help you get to know the Augusta National’s Women’s Amateur contender better.

4 things to know about Rose Zhang

1. She’s already a ‘major’ winner

Zhang is only 17 years old, but she already has major championship silver on her trophy shelf. Zhang is the reigning U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, having defeating then-defending champion Gabriela Ruffels last year in a 38-hole final, the second longest in the event’s history.

It’s a “major” achievement any way you look at it, especially for such a young player. But back in Bobby Jones’ day (and even Jack Nicklaus’ day), the U.S. Amateur counted as a major. So there’s no reason the women’s event shouldn’t get the same honors.

2. She’s an Augusta National Women’s Amateur veteran

There have been two Augusta National Women’s Amateurs. The first came in 2019, where Jennifer Kupcho made history as the event’s first champion. Last year’s tournament was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Which means Zhang has played in every ANWA. Despite being just 17, she actually played in the inaugural event in 2019 as one of its youngest competitors, tying for 17th. That experience should no doubt help her contend with the devilish greens at Augusta National this year.

Short Game

3. The Cardinal calls

Despite her young age and amateur status, Zhang has already accomplished a tremendous amount in the game of golf. In addition to her Women’s Amateur victory, she was named 2019 AJGA Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year, she finished T11 at the 2020 ANA Inspiration, and she is the current No. 1-ranked women’s amateur in the world.

Her next step? Zhang has committed to study and play golf at Stanford University.

4. California dreaming

Zhang has lived her entire life in the Los Angeles area, where she began playing golf at the age of 9. She was born in Arcadia and now resides in Irving, Calif.