Zhang wins Mizuho Americas Open in playoff in pro debut
Rose Zhang of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the Mizuho Americas Open in a playoff over Jennifer Kupcho of the United States during the final round at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by AFP)
Rose Zhang beat Jennifer Kupcho with a par at the second playoff hole to win the Mizuho Americas Open in her professional debut on Sunday, a rare feat in LPGA history.
The 20-year-old American, who was the world number one amateur for 141 weeks, is the first player to win an LPGA title while making her pro debut since Beverly Hanson did it in 1951.
"What is happening? I just can't believe it," Zhang said after two-putting for par at the second playoff hole, the 18th at Liberty National in Jersey City, New Jersey.
"It was just last week when I won NCAAs with my teammates," said the player who won her second straight US collegiate title in her last amateur hurrah. "To turn pro and come out here, it's just amazing."
Rose Zhang of the United States speaks during a press conference after a playoff win against Jennifer Kupcho of the United States in the final round of the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club. (Photo by AFP)
Zhang, who also won the Augusta National Women's Amateur this year, started with a two-stroke lead, but on another cold and blustery day she couldn't find a birdie, although she made a string of clutch par putts on the way to a two-over par 74 for a nine-under total of 279.
Kupcho was in the clubhouse on 279 after a three-under 69 when Zhang arrived at the 72nd hole with a one-shot lead, having just made testing par-saving putt at 17.
Zhang was in the left fairway bunker off the tee and couldn't get her par-saving putt to drop and she and Kupcho headed back to the 18th tee for the playoff.
