Rose Zhang Gives Team US Solheim Cup Boost
Could the young superstar make the American team that's tasked with winning back the Solheim Cup? She's eligible...
When Rose Zhang looks back on 2023, she’ll probably have a hard time selecting a best moment – victory on her LPGA Tour debut, a message of congratulations from Tiger Woods, or will it be a first appearance at the Solheim Cup?
Then there was that rather impressive Augusta National Women's Amateur title and back-to-back NCAA D1 titles, all of which make 2023 incredibly special.
Now Solheim Cup qualification is on following her stunning win at the Mizuho Americas Open, where she became the first player to win on her LPGA professional debut since Beverly Hanson in 1951.
And not only did the rising star do it in front her of friend and mentor, Michelle Wie West, the 20-year-old soon found herself getting a big pat on the back from 15-time Major winner, Woods.
Zhang, who has been on two winning Curtis Cup teams, showed all the qualities that will be needed to succeed in the pressure cooker environment of a Solheim Cup, especially down the stretch and in the playoff against Jennifer Kupcho.
The official Twitter account for the Team USA Solheim Cup team wasted no time in making everyone aware of what Zhang’s victory meant – she's eligible to make the team.
Congratulations to Rose on making history! 👏With her win, Rose is now eligible for Solheim Cup participation! 🌹🇺🇸 https://t.co/ro5X0sl9DHJune 5, 2023
And although she’ll no doubt have to cope with an increase in expectations going forward, the former world number one amateur sounds like she’s ready to embrace whatever the future holds.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"I understand there is going to be a lot of bumps in the road and I'm expecting a lot of obstacles," she said. "But I think this is just the start. This is just a stepping stone.
"It's crazy that this is my first win, first professional win already, but no doubt there is going to be a lot more things happening down the road.
"I'm just going to be continuing to learn inside the ropes."
The 2023 Solheim Cup takes on September 22-24 at Finca Cortesin in the heart of the Costa del Sol in Andalucía, Spain.
Suzann Pettersen’s European team go in as defending champions, with Stacy Lewis’ USA side looking to win away from home for the first time since 2015.
Michael has been with Golf Monthly since 2008. As a multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the men's European Championships, The FA Cup, London 2012, and FA Women's Super League. As content editor at Foremost Golf, Michael worked closely with golf's biggest equipment manufacturers, and has developed an in-depth knowledge of this side of the industry. He's now a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including six world number ones, and has attended and reported on many Major Championships and Ryder Cups. He's a member of Formby Golf Club.
-
Ludvig Aberg Withdraws From Wells Fargo Championship Due To Knee Issue
The Swede has withdrawn from the Quail Hollow event to allow additional rest before the PGA Championship
By Mike Hall Published
-
The Amateur Playing In His Seventh Major And Third Masters This Week
Career amateur Stewart Hagestad has made it back to Augusta National after another US Mid-Am victory
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Cognizant Founders Cup Prize Money Payout 2024
Jin Young Ko defends her title as players compete for a purse of $3m for the fourth successive year
By Mike Hall Published
-
Epson Tour Player Cards One Over Par Round Despite Septuple Bogey 11
Shuangshuang Fan had a moment to forget at the Casino Del Sol Golf Classic, with the 19-year-old carding a septuple bogey 11 at the par 4 fourth hole during her second round
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Making The Cut's Not Enough - LET Pro Details How Finishing Outside Of The Top-25 Can Actually See Players LOSE Money
Hannah Gregg has described how even making the cut can see her lose money for a tournament week due to the worrying lack of prize funds on the LET
By Paul Higham Published
-
JM Eagle LA Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
There’s a record purse for a regular-season LPGA Tour event at Wilshire Country Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
Two-Time Major Runner-Up Amy Olson Announces Retirement Aged 31
The LPGA Tour pro, who has been on maternity leave since last year, made the announcement on social media
By Mike Hall Published
-
Angela Stanford’s Pursuit Of 100 Consecutive Majors Could End Painfully Short After Two Huge Blows
The 46-year-old had been hoping to make a 99th successive Major appearance at the US Women's Open, but a double blow means her options are slimmer than ever
By Mike Hall Published
-
Nelly Korda's Fifth Straight Win Helps NBC Record Most-Watched Chevron Championship In Over A Decade
There was a peak TV audience of almost two million on Sunday evening as Korda picked up the second Major of her career
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
‘Exhausted’ Nelly Korda Puts Bid For Sixth Successive Title On Hold With JM Eagle LA Championship Withdrawal
The Chevron Championship winner has opted to skip the next LPGA Tour event despite initially confirming she would be in the field
By Mike Hall Published