She losther lead after a second-round75 on the challenging Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She cites her putting game as one of her strengths. Its a rapid rise Pinnell wishes he could credit to his own coaching. My first lesson with George was 3 years ago. Her natural tempo is beautifully smooth and unteachable. That kind of self-awareness is only possible for someone who constantly works within themselves to achieve peak performance. Pinnell, like so many others, believes Zhang could be a generational type of player:I think that is in her veins.. In June 2022, Adidas announced its first name, image, and likeness deal with Zhang, making her the companys first student athlete. 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. His ability to recognize anything from small details to major mistakes has greatly improved the consistency of my swing. As we know, amateur success doesnt guarantee riches in professional golf. But what does it actually take to reach this levelof achievement? Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. Shes competing in her third Girls Junior PGA Championship an event she won in 2017 and finished as runner-up last year which gets underway Tuesday at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, Conn. Its a far cry from where Zhangs competitive golf career began, as a 10-year-old on the Southern California PGA Junior Development Tour. She was named byAmerican Junior Golf Associationas the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. 1 in the American Junior Golf Association rankings for more than 53 weeks. If youve ever played at Oak Creek Golf Club, you may have seen her out on the course. He'll return for her title defense in the latter, which begins Monday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. Its like having another me there to share the experiences.. Dave looked hale and healthy and said he still played golf a few times a week. She also got to play at the inaugural Augusta National Womens Amateur in Georgia last spring. He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. That time was tough mentally and physically, said Zhang, who could not practice for several weeks. In total the Players that have received instruction from George have accounted for 350+ tournament wins on the Professional, College and Junior levels. She won the U.S. Women's Amateur title in. He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. 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 kicked off her sophomore season with a Pebble Beach course record and later a dominating victory at the Carmel Cup. I was always very into my golf game and didnt really have time to talk to other people. George once told me that a player doesnt know how good a coach is, until they know how much he or she, cares. Watching her overall, the big word that I take away is the sheer joy of watching a very patient player. Its quite difficult, she said, because a lot of courses have closed down their short-game areas and their putting greens, and there are a lot of people who want to play golf so there are a lot of busy tee times. Annika Sorenstam played two years at Arizona, as did Lorena Ochoa. She won the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur and the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship. George quickly put her back on track for progress and health. 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. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. And after some lessons, she entered a nine-hole tournament to test her game. She jumped in with LPGA Hall of Fame champ Patty Sheehan. It was I cant, honestly, she said laughing. Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. I was always very into my golf game and didnt really have time to talk to other people. Rose Zhang defeated Gabriela Ruffles in 38 holes to claim the title. This July, Zhang won the U.S. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. 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.. George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. Steve also writes a weekly column that covers pro and college sports, and other topics. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. Personal life [ edit] Zhang was born in Arcadia, California and resides in Irvine, California. Its been 19 years since Lorena Ochoa had what many consider the most dominant single season in womens college golf history. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. Understanding what tempo I have really helps me calm down on the golf course. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? she improved much under his good teaching and is on the way to succeed as a junior golfer step by step. 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. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. Zhang is the only high school student, by the way, among the top 20 female amateur golfers in the world. (Photo courtesy of Stanford). An Irvine teen has risen to No. Now, with a Girls Junior PGA and ANA Junior Inspiration championship under her belt (which landed her an LPGA. And she is the No. Golfweekrecently caught up with Heather Daly-Donofrio, a former LPGA player and tour executive who leads the program. The Cardinal, who also are missing senior Brooke Seay because of a concussion, are ranked No. Shes arguably the best American junior golfer to come along in a decade and many wonder how time at Stanford starting later this fall could possibly help her advance. Stanford freshman Rose Zhang at Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex. Heck won five straight tournaments to cap her freshman year in the spring. She celebrated her victory by flying to Evian, France, where she competed in another LPGA major, the Amundi Evian Championship, and made the cut. Thank you for all to George Pinnell! 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. 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. She started playing golf after her father Henry got golf clubs from a friend. 19. 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. I love Rose, said another future Cardinal teammate Rachel Heck, I think everybody does. Ive always told Rose, if you can take care of the golf ball, everything else will take care of itself. Your hard work ethics are a good path for me to follow. 1-ranked amateur womens golfer on Earth. Since then, Zhangs diligence toward golf has paid off in wins. My daughter Alice ziyi Zhao is lucky and proud to have George Pinnell as her golf coach, she likes his teaching very much. Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. Thats been the fun part. She never actually hit a golf ball. Zhang has played her first nine rounds of college golf in in 23 under par, with an average score of 69.1. Golfweekrecently caught up with Heather Daly-Donofrio, a former LPGA player and tour executive who leads the program. I really enjoyed everything about Stanford. Yes, the messages were from Zhangs number, the 12-year-old golfer Pinnell was coaching. 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. [1], Zhang attended Pacific Academy and enrolled at Stanford University in 2021.[3][4]. 6 in Golfweeks girls junior rankings, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Before that I looked at schools around California like USC, UCLA and Stanford, said Zhang who has not participated in CIF-Southern Section golf. Shell be three back of the leader and the next thing you know, she finds a way to get something done.. The fact that you will drive all the way to The Olympic Club, in San Francisco and back, proves that you are a real champion deserving of all the accolades, titles and trophies that your players win. Learn how to socialize with other people.. Zhang, 17, has won everything that can be won in womens amateur golf. After several minutes she threw the club back in the bag and told her father Ive got it and that it was time to have a nice dinner and rest. She did not hit one shot on the range. The Cardinal roster includes the reigning NCAA individual champion and player of the year, Rachel Heck, and first-team All-American Angelina Ye. Her father is her part-time caddie. They pile into a car, driven by Henry, and usually head to the course in silence. Now Im going to Seattle University on a golf scholarship, I can certainly say that Ive grow a tremendous amount as an athlete in the golf game and as a wholesome individual because of his genuine care and teachings. 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. Her game is clearly ready for that next step. Zhang has a snapshot of herself with Irvines best-known golfer: Tiger Woods. Junior and U.S. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. She feels she has a tremendous amount of learning to do, even though shes way ahead. She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. 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. We see the success of Rose Zhang: her wins, her clutch putts and her consistency. Georges knowledge and experience gives him the ability to be direct and speak to what changes should be made to improve my performance. George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. Shell be competing for the U.S. in the Pan American Games in August, Pinnell said. But her achievements have not come without routine discipline and a dedicated work ethic, and Zhang has honed in on what her keys are to success. Over the past three years, George has been my coach/swing coach. The LPGA can be a lonely life, said Ye. 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. But before enrolling this fall, Zhang insisted she was looking forward Stanford and determined to continue to work on her game before attempting to play professionally. Nov 02, 2021. At the2019 Pan American Games, she was on the winning U.S.mixed-gender teamand placed eighth in theindividual competition. Among them a two-time Mark H McCormack Medal winner (2020 and 2021) as the leading player on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2020 U.S. Womens Amateur champion; 2021 U.S. Girls Champion; two-time Rolex Junior Player of the Year; a member of the victorious 2021 U.S. Curtis Cup team; low amateur in the 2020 ANA Inspiration with an 11th place finish. "Understanding what tempo I have really helps me calm down on the golf course. Zhang headed to the range afterwards, took slow practice swings to sync up her tempo and reviewed her fundamentals. Just a month and a half into taking lessons, Rose had begun entering tournaments. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Thats when Pinnell realized there was more to Zhang than the athletic teenager he first met whose swing still needed some tweaking. Yes favorite part about college life is team camaraderie. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. The next day, Zhang shot 67 and won the tournament. She also credits her father for developing her into a tough competitor. This July, Zhang won the U.S. Girls Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Am before the Junior. In recent years, players of Zhangs caliber have bypassed college golf or made their stays short. The last couple days weve seen really nice crowds coming out to watch them play. She takes the game seriously, yet accepts the results as they come. [7], Following the win, Zhang rose to number 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking in September 2020 after finishing T-11 at the 2020 ANA Inspiration, an LPGA major. In May 2022, Zhang won the individualNCAA Championshipby 3 shots. We use TrackMan a lot., This impeccable self-awareness ofthe basics helps Zhang both technically and mentally on the course. Junior Rachel Heck, the 2021 NCAA individual champion . She's already 263rd on the Rolex Womens World Golf Rankings. Zhang also won the PING Invitational this year to become the first juniors-level two-time PING Invitational champion. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. We appreciate your high standards, your persistence, your encouragement, and your sense of humor. Zhang began playing golf at age 9and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. She showed up to the course in jeans and a T-shirt and looked around at the other players wearing more traditional attire. Stanford, Zhang victorious at Windy City Collegiate. Sep 28, 2021. 8 Georgia, 1up, Won her semifinal match vs. No. Shot 64 to finish 2nd stage Japan Q-school to finish 3rd!!! She was curious and dedicated, willing to put in the time needed to improve her game, asking the sort of questions that proved to the longtime coach his pupil was impressive beyond just driving distance and a knack for reading greens. She played with Bronte Law, Atthaya Thitikul and Angel Yin. What is it about Zhang that makes her so good? If it wasnt for Henry, Rose wouldnt be the player she is today.. Shes never said that to me.. What is it about Zhang that makes her so good? 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. 2021 Won her first three college tournaments as a Stanford freshman, breaking Tiger Woods record. she improved much under his good teaching and is on the way to succeed as a junior golfer step by step. Youre kidding me, Pinnell replied. She defeated then reigning U.S. Women's 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. I really love the game of golf, she says. 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. Having spent her youth dabbling in other sports like . He operated in another age when local newspapers actually covered golf extensively, amateur and professional, back when people read local newspapers. 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. We could not thank George enough for devoting some of his time to Angie's interest! By signing up, you agree to the George Pinnell has worked with Zhang for six years and said the laser-focused teen rarely has time away from her golf and studies. I dont set specific goals, but try to keep myself in a strict practice, said Zhang. In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in the Augusta National Women's Amateur. This mainly affected players from the former Soviet Union, such as Viktor Onopko, and the former Yugoslavia, such as Davor uker. On her 19th birthday she was presented with the Annika Award for best female college golfer of the year. During the extended range session, Zhang is intensely focused on the second key to her success her fundamentals. Not even Stanford alumni Tiger Woods managed that. American Junior Golf Association 1980 Sports Club Drive Braselton, GA 30517 (877) 373-2542 (770) 868-4200 (Phone) (770) 868-4211 (Fax) ajga@ajga.org I only wish we could see him more often. Its a passion.. 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. She has interests in business and management but remains undecided on a major. It was tough to sit down and take a break to rest my wrist and arm. . Zhang made the cut, finishing T-55 at 7-over 291 at age 16. I dont set specific goals, but try to keep myself in a strict practice, said Zhang. Not surprisingly, the Cardinal are the No. She is disciplined beyond belief.. Your hard work ethics are a good path for me to follow. 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. Only the top 30 American women were invited. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? She won the U.S. Womens Amateur title in 2020, the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur title in July and has held the No. Pinnell, 75, credits Zhangs father Henry for her strong mental approach, saying that she thrives on the challenges he presents. All rights reserved. Zhang wins collegiate debut at the Molly Invitational. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. Zhang finished 1-over 289, making the cut in her first LPGA start. Among them a two-time Mark H McCormack Medal winner (2020 and 2021) as the leading player on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur champion; 2021 U.S. Girls' Champion; two-time Rolex Junior Player of the Year; a member of the victorious 2021 U . Sometimes I tend to quick it up and I definitely feel it. Her patience is just unreal. Furthermore, George has shown genuine care for my mental and wellbeing outside of lessons when Im traveling for a golf tournament. But she has realized that she needs to limit her circle and try to shut out any external stuff that may be negative.. When on the road with Zhang at an event, the coach and pupil have a most unusual pre-game routine. But thats not the answer, he said with a laugh. 1 amateur? 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. we learned a lot from him. A. U.S. Women's Open Playing Record But were these questions really from a middle schooler, when they read more like something a 20-year-old would ask? 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. In 2019, Zhang advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Girls' Junior and helped the USA win a mixed team gold medal in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Women used to not be allowed to even practice there.. Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. I have been working with George since I was 14. He has helped her get to a place where she can focus on what she needs to do. Copyright 1996 - Top finishers will win automatic exemptions into the prestigious Golfweek International Junior Invitational Nov 4-5 in Florida. It's a rapid. 1 amateur? Im pretty in tune in knowing what my body is doing," she said. The day-to-day grind caught up with Zhang around the beginning of the year, when she battled tendinitis in her arm and wrist. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open. To be out there together with him is pretty cool, she said. Rose Zhang kicked off her sophomore season with a Pebble Beach course record and later a dominating victory at the Carmel Cup.