Rose Zhang lived up to all the pre-tournament hype as the next great women's golfer — at least in her first week as a pro.
The two-time NCAA champion became the first player in 72 years to win on the LPGA Tour in her pro debut, capturing the Mizuho Americas Open with a par on the second playoff hole against Jennifer Kupcho on Sunday.
"My reaction says it all," said Zhang, who said she did not look at a scoreboard until the 16th hole and did not know her position in the field.South Korean rookie Hae Ran Ryu was third at 8 under. Aditi Ashok of India, Ayaka Furue of Japan and Eun-Hee Ji of South Korea were at 7 under. Ashkeigh Buhai of South Africa, Leona Maguire of Ireland and Yuka Saso of Japan finished at 6 under, three shot behind the leaders.
Both players hit the fairway on No. 18 on the second playoff hole, but Zhang hit her approach from the fairway within 10 feet. Kupcho was short on her approach, her first putt went just over the back edge of the green and the second putt just missed. That left Zhang with two putts for the win."On this grass I'm always the best," Kupcho said."We're starting to hit in this type of grass going forward, so I'm excited to see where the season goes.
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