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In the past couple of days, Stanford sophomore Rose Zhang has made history in more ways than one. She recently clinched the 2023 NCAA Women’s Golf Championship individual title, becoming the first-ever to win back-to-back NCAA titles in women’s golf.

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The impressive win also marked the 12th victory of her collegiate career, which further helped her break Tiger Woods‘ long-standing record. However, achievements keep pouring in for Zhang, as she was honored by none other than Annika Sorenstam for her stunning performances!

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Annika Sorenstam honors Rose Zhang for her incredible achievements

The top-ranked amateur in the world, Rose Zhang, now boasts 12 wins in 20 starts over two seasons with the Stanford Cardinal. Her latest win came at the recently concluded NCAA D-1 Women’s Championship. In the tournament, she bested San Jose State’s Lucia Lopez-Ortega and USC’s Catherine Park to make history!

In the final round, the 19-year-old came from four shots behind to card a bogey-free four-under 68, clinching a record-making NCAA individual title. Less than 24 hours after her amazing feat, another announcement involving the golfer came to light.

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On Tuesday, Rose Zhang was named the winner of the ANNIKA award for the second straight year. Named after LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, the honor goes to the most outstanding NCAA DI college golfer of the season. Sorenstam, who had once played college golf in Arizona, presented the silverware to the young prodigy herself.

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Also Read: 20 Years of Creating History on the PGA Tour, LPGA Legend Annika Sorenstam Makes a Major Announcement

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There is no one more deserving of the honor, especially after Zhang smashed records left, right, and center with the win. The 2023 NCAA Championship win was the golfer’s eighth this season, equaling the records held by Renee Heiken and Lorena Ochoa. She also tied Mexican great Ochoa with 12 NCAA career victories and even set a new Stanford University benchmark in the process.

Rose Zhang sets a new benchmark as she breaks Tiger Woods’ record

It is not every day that one’s name comes up in the same sentence as Tiger Woods, let alone beating him. However, the world’s top amateur golfer, Rose Zhang, has accomplished both—and how! With her latest on-course heroics, she has now successfully broken Stanford alum Woods’ 27-year-old record.

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Woods had earlier achieved 11 wins in 26 events during his time at Stanford. Zhang equaled the record in just 19 starts! She then went on to set a benchmark by recording the 12th victory of her Cardinal career at the 2023 NCAA Championship.

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There is no denying that the Irvine native is on her way to achieving even greater feats in women’s golf. After all, she has perhaps the most distinguished resume in women’s amateur golf history. Earlier this year, Zhang claimed the Augusta National Women’s Amateur title by beating Jenny Bae in a playoff. Among her other accomplishments, the golfer also won the US Women’s Amateur title in 2020. The same year, she also finished T11 at the Chevron Championship, her best outcome in a major event.

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Watch This Story: ‘The S*xiest Lady’: LPGA Legend’s Beach Update Leaves Golf Community in Awe 

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What do you think of Rose Zhang’s latest record-breaking feat? Let us know in the comments!

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Abantika Ghosh

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Abantika is a fresh writer at EssentiallySports who was chosen in the recent round of ‘ES Draft’ for her strong passion for golf writing. Even in her early days, Abantika has displayed an impressive ability to cover golf with gripping and insightful stories backed by thorough research. Her inspiration comes from the words of the legendary golfer and flag-bearer of the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy: "As long as I keep enjoying my golf, then hopefully I'll be able to play well," which motivates her to continue writing engaging pieces. Aside from golf, Abantika loves spending her free time exploring her creative side by trying her hand at painting and other artistic endeavors. She also enjoys hiking and traveling to scenic destinations to refresh her mind and find inspiration for her writing.

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Sheldon Pereira

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