ORLANDO, Fla. — Busy is an understatement when it comes to the schedule of LPGA Tour winner Rose Zhang. Practice, pro-ams, sponsor obligations, media availabilities, physio sessions and tournaments are a part of every Tour player’s daily and weekly plans in some way or another, but Zhang’s schedule is often a little more jam-packed than her counterparts for many good reasons.
The 20-year-old garnered a lot of attention last season when she won the Mizuho Americas Open in her professional debut, becoming the first person to win on the LPGA Tour in their first tournament as a pro since Beverly Hanson last did so in 1951. But Zhang had already entered the golf conscious several years ago, boasting a stellar amateur career that saw her win the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, take home 12 titles at Stanford University and win the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, just a few of Zhang’s laundry list of incredible achievements.
Winning in her first event as a pro caused Zhang’s stock to rise even higher, and with that territory came an increased list of “to-dos” that the 2023 rookie needed to check off, something that she was always willing to do. But unlike a vast majority of her counterparts, Zhang’s situation was made even more complex by her choice to continue her studies at Stanford, and she realized quickly that a lesson in prioritization was much needed if she wanted to have a sustainable lifestyle on the LPGA Tour in 2024.
“I think the biggest thing about last year, my little rookie season, was just to not pile so much on my plate,” Zhang said. “It's been a lot that's happened, and I feel like I continuously will have a lot that's going to be happening. It's almost like every single day, I'm in a rush to complete a lot of things. Balancing everything and being able to handle all the attention as well.
“It made me realize that there are times where I need to focus on certain things and take a step back. Try to make those things improve, including my golf game, school grind, etc. Having that clear mindset of what I want to do on a daily basis instead of rushing into things is something I've been working on.”
That work appears to be paying off thus far as Zhang kicked off her week at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions with a 3-under 69 that saw her make two bogeys and five birdies in her tournament debut at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club. It was a strong start for the 20-year-old who was particularly pleased with her Thursday effort considering she’s had limited time to practice and has still been working through some putting woes that cropped up last season.
Zhang also enjoyed playing alongside former professional baseball player Albert Pujols as the six-time Silver Slugger is making his first start in the celebrity division at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions this week.
“It was really great to be with Albert (Pujols). He's a legend in his game,” said Zhang, who grew up in Irvine, Calif., and remembers watching the baseball great when he played for the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers. “I had some light talk with him, and just from how he carries himself I learned a lot. He's always (been) nicknamed “The Machine,” and I could tell that he's definitely very in the moment. Even if he's not doing too well he's very level-headed.
“For me, I was just super inspired, just having a good time. Never expected myself to be here, but I was able to come here and have a good time. Played well today with my irons. Was very consistent. (There) was like one driver that was a little bit off, but overall, very satisfied with how the game went, especially with such a short off-season.”
While Zhang isn’t a player who likes to put pen to paper and chart out a plan for each new season, she does have some personal goals that she would like to work on in 2024. Zhang felt like she got a little “stagnant” in 2023 because of the demands that were put on her time and is striving to put a premium on self-growth this year instead of filling her daily schedule to the brim.
“I felt like there was a lot happening and very forever grateful for being able to do so many different things, but at the same time, I was so much in a hurry and on the run that I wasn't able to fully immerse myself in doing better and looking for new ways to grow,” said Zhang of her 2023 season. “It's just (about) keeping my schedule simple. Keeping my mind clear. Knowing what my values are. I think faith has a lot to do with it. Just being grateful for everything while I'm doing everything that I'm doing.”
Zhang is also working on her degree in 2024, electing to take the next month and change off to focus on her classes at Stanford and lean into an opportunity to explore her intellectual side and do what the majority of people her age are doing: going to college.
“I think being at school is already a huge opportunity. I don't think a lot of people have that opportunity to be able to go back and pursue their education while they're playing a sport or doing their own thing,” she said. “Being able to be there, in my opinion and perspective, I think I did better and will do better through this period of time of learning and learning from people who are so intelligent in their own minds and fields.”
But for now – or this week at least – Zhang is working on herself on the golf course, not in the classroom, and when she returns to competitive golf after taking a break to study at Stanford, she’ll be looking to reach new heights on the LPGA Tour as she chases even more success while competing alongside the best players in the world.
“Just good balance,” said Zhang of what she’s looking for from herself this year. “Looking for grit, discipline. Really want to work on myself and how I carry myself on and off the golf course. I think I became a little stagnant in my growth, and this year it's more so just every single day, finding some purpose to do stuff and to fulfill all my competitiveness.”
Loooong putt? No problem if you're @rosezhang 🤩 pic.twitter.com/7XFAu3loa3
— LPGA (@LPGA) January 18, 2024
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