At the 2019 Pan American Games, she was on the winning U.S. mixed-gender team and placed eighth in the individual competition. Stanford star Rose Zhang continued an impressive year on the course when she won the Smyth Salver at the AIG Women's Open. Rose Zhang defeated Gabriela Ruffles in 38 holes to claim the title. 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. Shes never said that to me.. This will be Zhang's second U.S. Women's Open start. In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. Im pretty in tune in knowing what my body is doing, she said. Golfweekrecently caught up with Heather Daly-Donofrio, a former LPGA player and tour executive who leads the program. Wins. Top finishers will win automatic exemptions into the prestigious Golfweek International Junior Invitational Nov 4-5 in Florida. Share via Email: Americas No.1 junior golfer, Share via Twitter: Americas No.1 junior golfer, Share via LinkedIn: Americas No.1 junior golfer, Share via Facebook: Americas No.1 junior golfer, IRVINES ARTISTIC SWIMMING TEAM MAKES A SPLASH. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. George once told me that a player doesnt know how good a coach is, until they know how much he or she, cares. 1 Stanford women's golf and sophomore Rose Zhang own two-shot leads following 36 holes at the Therese Hession Regional Challenge at Palos Verdes Golf Club. https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2021/04/03/whats-next-world-no-1-rose-zhang-augusta-loss-maturing/, Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Central America, Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Top 50 Modern Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. And she is the No. And I think she has that in the back of her mind, but again, would never say it. Privacy Policy. That was very frustrating since she started golf late and had only been playing for two and half years. In the golf circles Im pretty well known, but at school I really dont say anything, she told me. 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. 21.8301. But she doesnt like to hear that. She won the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur and the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship. 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. Its just more hassle to go around and see which courses I can play at.. 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. He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. The multi-year deal was announced on the morning of Zhang entering the U.S. Womens Open.[12]. Youre kidding me, Pinnell replied. I loved the campus, the practice facility, the academic opportunities there and my coach and my teammates.. Zhang committed to Stanford in the spring of her sophomore year. MORE: Rose Zhang completes rare double with dominant victory at U.S. Thanks for everything George. Best Rank. Zhang has a verbal commitment to golf for Stanford University after high school. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. Zhang carries a 4.6 grade-point average. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking since September 2020. 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. She won the 2020 U.S. 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. Having spent her youth dabbling in other sports like . Zhang headed to the range afterwards, took slow practice swings to sync up her tempo and reviewed her fundamentals. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? Zhang is No. She also credits her father for developing her into a tough competitor. 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. Annual AGW dinners at the Open Championship would not have taken place if not for the sterling work of Dave and former AGW treasurer Bob Davies. Rose Zhang. 20022023 Irvine Company, LLC. A perfect Zhang story, but not often told, occurred at the 2020 Ping Invitational. This July, Zhang won the U.S. As George Pinnell received more and more text messages from Rose Zhang, full of advanced questions about golf, he grew more and more confused. We are so lucky to be working with a truly talented coach. Take Rose Zhang, for example. Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. She'll be competing for the U.S. in the Pan American Games in August, Pinnell said. I was always very into my golf game and didnt really have time to talk to other people. It changed my daily schedule that I was so used to., Although frustrating at times, the break was a turning point in Zhangs career. "Being able to tune out the voices I dont want to listen to and finding my inner-circle was very important., Rose is very open to people and very accepting of people, said Pinnell, and she loves to help as many people as she can. She won the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur and the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship. 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. That event was definitely very hard, Zhang said. 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. I dont set specific goals, but try to keep myself in a strict practice, said Zhang. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. Understanding what tempo I have really helps me calm down on the golf course. 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. Bront Wittpenn/The Chronicle Zhang has spent the past 104. She competed in the2019 U.S. Womens Openat 16 years of age. First, she stays in the present. Junior Rachel Heck, the 2021 NCAA individual champion . If it wasnt for Henry, Rose wouldnt be the player she is today.. Zhang began playing golf at age 9and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. 1 women's amateur and one of the favorites to win the Augusta National Women's Amateur. "Understanding what tempo I have really helps me calm down on the golf course. Personal life [ edit] Zhang was born in Arcadia, California and resides in Irvine, California. If Stanford is to repeat as NCAA champion, it may have to do so without one of its best players. But thats not the answer, he said with a laugh. She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. She showed up to the course in jeans and a T-shirt and looked around at the other players wearing more traditional attire. I learned a lot more about the real world, she said. It was tough to sit down and take a break to rest my wrist and arm. She can be as good as she wants to be, Pinnell said. The worlds number woman amateur has wasted no time in living up to that billing in her debut season in the tough grind that is American college golf. Shell be three back of the leader and the next thing you know, she finds a way to get something done.. 11. Zhang shot a 3-over-75 to cap the national title at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. I showcased this inspiration almost immediately after receiving the award when I won the Rolex Tournament of Champions to start off 2020. Before that I looked at schools around California like USC, UCLA and Stanford, said Zhang who has not participated in CIF-Southern Section golf. He covered Essex and the South East of England and he knew his beat, knew the officials and the players in his region and chronicled their stories, their progress, exposing them to a wide audience. 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. In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. We see the success of Rose Zhang: her wins, her clutch putts and her consistency. Zhangs father was on the bag during her low-am run at the 2020 ANA and her U.S. Women's Amateur win. Unlike sports such as soccer and basketball, golf has a steep start-up cost before you even arrive at the range with equipment. For a player who easily grasps big-picture perspectives, the value of a back-up plan surely isnt lost on her. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. Working with you has been an amazing opportunity. Her patience is just unreal. He asked Ko if he could introduce Zhang to her and snap a few photos of the pair. Zhangs father was on the bag during her low-am run at the 2020 ANA and her U.S. Womens Amateur win. Annika Sorenstam played two years at Arizona, as did Lorena Ochoa. 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. 6 in Golfweeks girls junior rankings, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. For us, Coach George Pinnell has been the best coach ever to help my daughter Alesia Barry succeed as a junior golfer. Georges knowledge and experience gives him the ability to be direct and speak to what changes should be made to improve my performance. 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. Tempo is biggest thing for her. 1-ranked team in the Womens Golf Coaches Association polls, having won all three team titles so far this fall. Im pretty in tune in knowing what my body is doing," she said. Hes worked with 50 AJGA All-Americans over the years, including a young Kevin Na and Anthony Kim. I only wish we could see him more often. First, she stays in the present. His way of teaching golf is very professional, and he is very experienced and nice with good personality. He helps me stay driven.. Rose Zhang won the U.S. Then I readjust what I need to do.. The Cardinal roster includes the reigning NCAA individual champion and player of the year, Rachel Heck, and first-team All-American Angelina Ye. 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. Zhang processes things differently, he said. At the 2019 U.S. Womens Open, Pinnell saw Lydia Ko in the clubhouse and reintroduced himself to the 15-time LPGA winner. In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in theAugusta National Womens Amateur. Top 10 Finishes. Walker credits Pinnell for not only being a swing coach but a mentor, too. Rose Zhang (born May 24, 2003 [1]) is an American amateur golfer. Oct 04, 2021. She finished as the runner-up and arrived on a red-eye flight to South Carolina on Tuesday, two days before the major began. 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. What is it about Zhang that makes her so good? Thanks to George, I am always able to find my confidence again and focus on my game. Rose Zhang (born May 24, 2003[1]) is an American amateur golfer. The West Coast Junior Open will feature daily coverage on and will be ranked by both the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings and The Junior Golf Scoreboard. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. Henry, who is usually on the bag, followed every shot at Augusta from outside the ropes. Shell be competing for the U.S. in the Pan American Games in August, Pinnell said. She takes the game seriously, yet accepts the results as they come. By signing up, you agree to the The highlight of her career so far: taking a celebratory leap into Poppies Pond at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage after winning the 2018 ANA Junior Inspiration. Her golf schedule forces her to miss plenty of school time. For us, Coach George Pinnell has been the best coach ever to help my daughter Alesia Barry succeed as a junior golfer. Shes won her first three tournaments. Zhang also won the PING Invitational this year to become the first juniors-level two-time PING Invitational champion. I think her mentality is, I can beat you. Now, she would never say that, and she would kill me for saying that, but yeah. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. Divisor. George and I have become good friends during our time spent together during the last few years. 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. She competed in the 2019 U.S. Women's Open at 16 years of age. Since then, Zhangs diligence toward golf has paid off in wins. Stanford, Zhang victorious at Windy City Collegiate. On her 19th birthday she was presented with the Annika Award for best female college golfer of the year. The writers gathered round laughed too. They like to keep it tight with few loose-moving parts. I think its our responsibility to just be excited and happy to be on this golf course and to be able to be in contention. After this recognition in 2019, I was inspired to get to reach new heights in my golf game and in my character. [1], Zhang attended Pacific Academy and enrolled at Stanford University in 2021.[3][4]. We, and all of those who you touch, owe you a deep, thank you, from the heart. Sep 28, 2021. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. 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. 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). She and her coach detail the keys to success. The discipline and focus are off-the-charts high. 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. 1 amateur? Zhang is the only high school student, by the way, among the top 20 female amateur golfers in the world. 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. Still, her early accomplishments have been nothing but stellar. George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. She does some amazing things, said George Pinnell, who has been Zhangs coach going on seven years. He believes so much in his players and loves what he is doing to help junior golfers grow. 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 wins collegiate debut at the Molly Invitational. Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. Former colleague Beth Ann Nichols quotes Stanford womens golf coach Anne Walker as saying: Walker expanded on that notion to the Stanford website. This is where I think some of the best teaching happens. I think, for me, I have a lot of maturing to do, said Rose, whod just knocked the socks off a half a dozen scribes with her clear and sunny perspective. she improved much under his good teaching and is on the way to succeed as a junior golfer step by step. and I have been working with George since I was 14. Rose Zhang has also been No. She did not hit one shot on the range. 5 Auburn, 5&4, Won her championship match vs. No. Shes too busy self-correcting. Zhang made the cut, finishing T-55 at 7-over 291 at age 16. Her game is clearly ready for that next step. Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. Her swings may look effortless and her rhythm unmatchable, but effortlessness is only achieved in daily, boring work 300 range balls, 100 straight 4-footers and then taking that work to the course. My first lesson with George was 3 years ago. 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. 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.. Not even Stanford alumni Tiger Woods managed that. Its a rapid rise Pinnell wishes he could credit to his own coaching. 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. I was always very into my golf game and didnt really have time to talk to other people. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. And when Rose makes a mistake when shes playing, you dont get too nervous, because she has a way of rectifying and really coming back strong.. For now, I don't really have any intention of turning professional. 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. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. After pleasantries are exchanged at the elevator, Rose goes into game-face mode. 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. I could go on, but you get the drift. As Georges student for the past 6 years, to say that he has helped my golf game is an understatement. George Pinnell has worked with Zhang for six years and said the laser-focused teen rarely has time away from her golf and studies. During the extended range session, Zhang is intensely focused on the second key to her success her fundamentals. My daughter Alice ziyi Zhao is lucky and proud to have George Pinnell as her golf coach, she likes his teaching very much. Rose Zhang initially thought tennis would be her calling. As a team, Stanford shot an even-par 284 on Monday, the best round of the day by two shots over San Jose State, who sits two strokes back of the Cardinal with 18 holes left to play on Tuesday. She celebrated her victory by flying to Evian, France, where she competed in another LPGA major, the Amundi Evian Championship, and made the cut. 21.8301. The Irvine, California native has just won the Stanford Intercollegiate by four shots after rounds of 65, 65 and 67 for a 16-under 197 to tie teammate Rachel Heck for Stanford's 54-hole scoring record. The 2023 Golfweek Southwest Junior Open returns May 27-28, to award winning Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, AZ. Unlike sports such as soccer and basketball, golf has a steep start-up cost before you even arrive at the range with equipment. Learn how to socialize with other people.. February 27, 2023 at 11:54 AM. And not only does he teach my daughter golf skills, he also coaches her on mental guidance and how to be a better person. I learned a lot more about the real world, she said. She has interests in business and management but remains undecided on a major. Here's a look at this season's current boys basketball statewide leaders in points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, free throws and 3-pointers. 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. Zhang, 17, has won everything that can be won in womens amateur golf. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. For all of us, its a good time for us to get away from home and develop, said Pinnell of college, and be on our own. Nov 02, 2021. The West Coast Junior Open will feature daily coverage on and will be ranked by both the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings and The Junior Golf Scoreboard. She cites her putting game as one of her strengths. When I didnt play golf I heard a lot more voices than when I was practicing," she said. 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. His ability to recognize anything from small details to major mistakes has greatly improved the consistency of my swing. An Irvine teen has risen to No. With the technology and his ability to analyze my swing effectively, my game has really improved greatly in each stage of junior and amateur golf. I only wish we could see him more often. Her father is her part-time caddie. She practices every day after school. George quickly put her back on track for progress and health. She lost her lead after a second-round 75 on the challenging Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma. That all changed five years ago when she swung a golf club for the first time. Junior and U.S. Applied Divisor. Rose Zhang is now three for three in college starts, winning the Stanford Invitational this weekend with a school-record-tying 16-under total. 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. When I didnt play golf I heard a lot more voices than when I was practicing, she said. (Photo courtesy of Stanford). The 16-year-old phenom is a junior at Pacific Academy in Irvine, where she holds a 4.6 GPA, which is all the more amazing since she missed 50 days of school last year for tournaments. 1 in Golfstat and also boast the top-ranked amateur and college player in sophomore Rose Zhang.. So he asked her who was writing the messages during their next lesson. That was a big deal, she says, laughing. Being able to tune out the voices I dont want to listen to and finding my inner-circle was very important., Rose is very open to people and very accepting of people, said Pinnell, and she loves to help as many people as she can. 1-ranked amateur in Septemberafter finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. 1 for a reason: Stanford freshman phenom Rose Zhang holds on to win individual title wire-to-wire at 2022 NCAA Championship", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rose_Zhang&oldid=1126143045, Winners of ladies' major amateur golf championships, Pan American Games gold medalists for the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 2017 Junior PGA Championship, Junior America's Cup, 2018 ANA Junior Inspiration, Swinging Skirts AJGA Invitational, The PING Invitational, 2019 Toyota Junior World Cup, Swinging Skirts AJGA Invitational, Rolex Tournament of Champions, This page was last edited on 7 December 2022, at 19:41. The next day, Zhang shot 67 and won the tournament. I love Rose, said another future Cardinal teammate Rachel Heck, I think everybody does. Golf Central Zhang low am; likely headed back to Stanford BY. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. She does some amazing things, said George Pinnell, who has been Zhangs coach going on seven years. In May 2022, Zhang won the individualNCAA Championshipby 3 shots. Sometimes I tend to quick it up and I definitely feel it. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. Created in 2014, the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel is annually given to the top female U.S. collegiate golfer; the winner voted on by players, coaches and members of the college golf media. It changed my daily schedule that I was so used to., Although frustrating at times, the break was a turning point in Zhangs career. Zhangs desire to focus on the process and not the results; her ability to zone in on her fundamentals, to be in total sync with her game; the caliber and quality of people with whom she surrounds herself, all boils down to one person Zhangs father, Henry. Girls' Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Ambefore theJunior. Zhangs desireto focus on the process and not the results;her ability to zone in on her fundamentals, to be in total sync withher game; the caliber and quality of people with whom shesurrounds herself, all boils down to one person Zhangs father, Henry. To be in a position to earn Rolex Player of the Year honors again in 2020 was arduous. And my ability to play under pressure is pretty good. Before nodding off the night before tournaments, Zhang likes to mentally prepare herself by listening to audio recordings of the Bible. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. Rose Zhang makes it three in a row at Stanford Intercollegiate. Shes more golf genius than I realised, but that doesnt surprise me., Her patience is unreal. In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in the Augusta National Women's Amateur. On her 19th birthday she was presented with the Annika Award for best female college golfer of the year. It helps make me relax and believe in what I do, she says. But remember the name: Zhang looks like the real deal. She never gets away from that, said Pinnell. We, and all of those who you touch, owe you a deep, thank you, from the heart. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open. Irvine skater brings home gold for U.S.A. Hes always been the one to push me further and that really helps me get into the grit mindset, which takes over into my golf game, said Rose. Only one American has earned LPGA Player of the Year honors since 1994 and that was Arkansas graduate Stacy Lewis in 2012 and 2014. Shes an extremely humble youngster. Zhang decided to compete at the Thunderbird International Junior tournament in Arizona the week before the U.S. Womens Open. Thanks to George, I am always able to find my confidence again and focus on my game. We got so much TV coverage. 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. Zhang started playing when she was 9 after she picked up one of her dads golf clubs and took a swing. That would be Irvine resident Rose Zhang, a senior at Pacific Academy, a high-academics kindergarten-through-12th-grade private school in Irvine. I dont think one person could say a negative thing about Rose.. Nov 4, 2021 TRINITY, Texas Rose Zhang and Stanford University teammate Rachel Heck are the top two amateur golfers in the world and lead a world-class American women's team this week at the. He'll return for her title defense in the latter, which begins Monday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. Home What makes Rose Zhang the No. The WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKING ranks male and female amateur golfers by assessing performance at thousands of amateur golf tournaments and championships, worldwide. Dave looked hale and healthy and said he still played golf a few times a week. Shes obviously spent many hours of work. AUGUSTA, Ga. Rose Zhang approached the microphone with a smile. That was very frustrating since she started golf late and had only been playing for two and half years.