The US rookie, Rose Zhang, secured her first win in her debut event at the Mizuho Americas Open. At the same time, she achieved the feat of doing so in the last 72 years, after Beverly Hanson in 1951. 

The 20-year-old is now performing at the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While she tees it up and contests for the victory, Zhang shares what motivated her to play in Asia.

Rose Zhang shares her experience of playing in Asia

Rose Zhang made her debut after winning back-to-back NCAA individual titles. At the Mizuho Americas Open, she defeated Jennifer Kupchi in the final playoffs and claimed her first professional win. She even received praise from Tiger Woods himself. 

However, in her last six runs, Zhang missed the cut once while finishing out of the top 20 five times. However, after round two in Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, Rose is sitting at the solo second, one stroke behind Jasmine Suwannapura. 

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the event, Zhang admitted why she chose to play in her first-ever Asian event. Rose cited her love for experiencing new things and culture and said, “That’s all I wanted when I came out here on Tour to travel the world, see different things, eat different foods, meet different people.” 

Moreover, Zhang wanted to challenge herself as she said, “Being here in Asia, it’s all a challenge and a new experience for me, which is exactly why I wanted to take it on.” 

Rose Zhang’s ‘never give up’ attitude claimed her the solo second after round two

The first round of the Maybank Championship started on Thursday. Zhang finished 7-under 65 with seven birdies and zero bogeys in the whole round, scoring the lowest score in her months-old professional career. 

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Later, in round two, Zhang finished 11-under 68, only one stroke from leading the scoreboard. In her post-match press conference, Zhang talked about her game and what is working for her, stating, “You’ve to have a really solid game plan, you’ve to be able to commit every single golf shot and really never give up.”

With her remarkable performance in Malaysia, Rose Zhang may clench her second victory on the LPGA Tour at the mere age of 20. Zhang defeating the veterans of the game would be a sight to behold. 

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