Furthermore, George has shown genuine care for my mental and wellbeing outside of lessons when Im traveling for a golf tournament. 8 in the womens World Amateur Golf Ranking. But she doesnt like to hear that. When shes not golfing, she can be found doing homework, surfing the web, watching Chinese variety shows and hanging out with friends. "Understanding what tempo I have really helps me calm down on the golf course. When pressed for an example, Pinnell tells a story from the AJGA Ping Invitational last October, when Zhang fell four strokes back after a 75. That was very frustrating since she started golf late and had only been playing for two and half years. She put her club in her bag and said, OK, Dad, lets go to dinner and get ready for tomorrow, Pinnell recalled. She acted so naturally, in fact, she ended up winning the one-day event, setting in motion the start of a promising career that soon crossed paths with Pinnell, who began coaching her about five years ago. Its a passion.. That would be Irvine resident Rose Zhang, a senior at Pacific Academy, a high-academics kindergarten-through-12th-grade private school in Irvine. Dave looked hale and healthy and said he still played golf a few times a week. 6 in Golfweeks girls junior rankings, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. She'll be competing for the U.S. in the Pan American Games in August, Pinnell said. Annual AGW dinners at the Open Championship would not have taken place if not for the sterling work of Dave and former AGW treasurer Bob Davies. Shell be competing for the U.S. in the Pan American Games in August, Pinnell said. The multi-year deal was announced on the morning of Zhang entering the U.S. Womens Open.[12]. 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. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? Rose Zhang (born May 24, 2003[1]) is an American amateur golfer. Terms of Service He knows how to encourage golfers to face the challenges and he knows everything about the growth of a good junior golfer in the process. This July, Zhang won the U.S. Girls Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Am before the Junior. If it wasnt for Henry, Rose wouldnt be the player she is today.. Steve was honored as Champion for Character by the CIF-Southern Section. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. My daughter Alice ziyi Zhao is lucky and proud to have George Pinnell as her golf coach, she likes his teaching very much. MORE: Rose Zhang completes rare double with dominant victory at U.S. Girls' Junior Am Much was expected from Zhang upon her arrival in Palo Alto. "Being able to tune out the voices I dont want to listen to and finding my inner-circle was very important., Rose is very open to people and very accepting of people, said Pinnell, and she loves to help as many people as she can. First, she stays in the present. She won the U.S. Women's Amateur title in. She put her club in her bag and said, 'OK, Dad, lets go to dinner and get ready for tomorrow,' Pinnell recalled. Zhang enrolled at Pacific Academy to start her seventh-grade year. Top 10 Finishes. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. Applied Divisor. If youve ever played at Oak Creek Golf Club, you may have seen her out on the course. Annika Sorenstam played two years at Arizona, as did Lorena Ochoa. 1-ranked amateur in September after finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. Zhang also won the PING Invitational this year to become the first juniors-level two-time PING Invitational champion. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. Zhang started playing when she was 9 after she picked up one of her dads golf clubs and took a swing. [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. And it helped me gain confidence in what I really want to do in the future.. Privacy Policy. Its just more hassle to go around and see which courses I can play at.. 1-ranked amateur in September after finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. 1-ranked women's amateur in the world. They have done wonders for me, Zhang said of Pacific Academys teachers and staff. Zhang committed to Stanford in the spring of her sophomore year. Rose Zhang (born May 24, 2003 [1]) is an American amateur golfer. Thanks for everything George. She has a lot of great opportunities and when she has those opportunities she has the mental fortitude to stay patient, stay calm, stay focussed. All rights reserved. An Irvine teen has risen to No. While her coach said any number of things can sidetrack a burgeoning career be it injuries, other hobbies or a burnout he doesnt expect it to happen to Zhang. The (alias Rose Zhang) at the Callaway Tour Fitting Center with a Mavrik Hybrid George Pinnell, PGA 1.5K views 2 years ago 10:15 Rotate to a Better Golf Swing - Golf with Michele Low. I got to test my game against them, Zhang said, so that was certainly a special experience.. Not the case with Pinnell, who spends a lot of time with Zhangworking on structure in the golf swing. Watching her overall, the main word I take away is shes a joy to be around and a very patient player.. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. As the warmup begins on the range, it remains quiet. Hes worked with 50 AJGA All-Americans over the years, including a young Kevin Na and Anthony Kim. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. I only wish we could see him more often. [5][6], Zhang won theU.S. Womens Amateurin August 2020 after defeatingGabriela Ruffelsin the final on the 38th hole. [8][9] She has won the Mark H. McCormack Medal as the top-ranked amateur three times, at the end of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons.[10][11][12]. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). Zhang made the final round and finished 17th. He knows how to encourage golfers to face the challenges and he knows everything about the growth of a good junior golfer in the process. She was on the cusp of winning the 72nd US Girls' Junior Championship at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Md., but had lost the. 2021 Won her first three college tournaments as a Stanford freshman, breaking Tiger Woods record. Zhang shot a 3-over-75 to cap the national title at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking since September 2020. Graduated from Pacific Academy in Irvine, Calif. Two-time McCormack Medal winner, given to the world's top amateur golfer, Joins Lydia Ko (2011-13), New Zealand, and Leona Maguire (2015-17), of the Republic of Ireland as multiple recipients of the McCormack Medal, Competed in fourLPGA major championships in 2021, making the cut in the Amundi Evian Championship, Represented Team USA at the 2021 Curtis Cup, Finished third at the 2021 Augusta National Women's Amateur, Earned runner-up finish in the LPGA Symetra Tour's Carlisle Arizona Women's Golf Classic, Just the eighth player to win both the U.S. If it wasnt for Henry, Rose wouldnt be the player she is today.. We use TrackMan a lot., This impeccable self-awareness ofthe basics helps Zhang both technically and mentally on the course. And I think she knows that. She also sets difficult challenges for herself, which include making 100 4-foot putts in a row, so when I play in tournaments Ive already been in a competitive game mode, Zhang explained. Its like having another me there to share the experiences.. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. 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. I really love the game of golf, she says. This mainly affected players from the former Soviet Union, such as Viktor Onopko, and the former Yugoslavia, such as Davor uker. In 2019, Zhang was one of the youngest competitors in the Augusta National Women's Amateur. and The tournament is open to any players age 13-19 who meet the eligibility requirements and are not yet affiliated with a college golf team. He has helped her get to a place where she can focus on what she needs to do. 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. I just think that college is the place where I'll be able to play even better, shoot better scores and mature as a person and character. She is disciplined beyond belief.. I learned a lot more about the real world, she said. Aug 28, 2021. 1-ranked amateur in Septemberafter finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. Last 104 weeks. Sometimes I tend to quick it up and I definitely feel it. The highlight of her career so far: taking a celebratory leap into Poppies Pond at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage after winning the 2018 ANA Junior Inspiration. He helps me stay driven.. Within 10 minutes, I had it, Zhang told her coach after the tournament. 5 Auburn, 5&4, Won her championship match vs. No. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. Top finishers will win automatic exemptions into the prestigious Golfweek International Junior Invitational Nov 4-5 in Florida. His list of players include a PGA Tour Champion, a LPGA Tour Champion, an USGA Champion, 2-NCAA All-Americans, and 31 Polo Junior All-Americans. On Sunday at the Stanford Invitational, Zhang finished her third college start for the Cardinal with her third victory. She then clinched Stanfords second NCAA team title by winning the final match, 3 and 1. George has given me a tremendous amount of help with all parts of the game including the swing, short game and putting as well as the mental part of my game. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. BY EMILIA MIGLIACCIO AUGUST 1, 2021 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. George quickly put her back on track for progress and health. Seeing her hang around on LPGA starts only further cemented the idea. We got so much TV coverage. Those who know 17-year-old Zhang best say shes kind, humble and funny. That all changed five years ago when she swung a golf club for the first time. She and her coach detail the keys to success. I really enjoyed everything about Stanford. Your hard work ethics are a good path for me to follow. 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. 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. For me, Im learning so much from watching her, said Stanford womens coach Anne Walker. Working with you has been an amazing opportunity. Zhang finished 1-over 289, making the cut in her first LPGA start. The West Coast Junior Open will feature daily coverage on and will be ranked by both the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings and The Junior Golf Scoreboard. #JustSaying: I do believe that the best sports psychologist in the world is a square clubface at impact. Rory McIlroy, Photograph courtesy of the Ladies European Tour, Shes everything I thought she would be. That kind of self-awareness is only possible for someone who constantly works within themselves to achieve peak performance. She defeated then reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Gabriela Ruffles on the 36th hole to crown. Personal life [ edit] Zhang was born in Arcadia, California and resides in Irvine, California. Much was expected from Zhang upon her arrival in Palo Alto. 1 for a reason: Stanford freshman phenom Rose Zhang holds on to win individual title wire-to-wire at 2022 NCAA Championship", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rose_Zhang&oldid=1126143045, Winners of ladies' major amateur golf championships, Pan American Games gold medalists for the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 2017 Junior PGA Championship, Junior America's Cup, 2018 ANA Junior Inspiration, Swinging Skirts AJGA Invitational, The PING Invitational, 2019 Toyota Junior World Cup, Swinging Skirts AJGA Invitational, Rolex Tournament of Champions, This page was last edited on 7 December 2022, at 19:41. Shell be three back of the leader and the next thing you know, she finds a way to get something done.. In May 2022, Zhang won the individualNCAA Championshipby 3 shots. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. I learned more about how complicated the world can be., Zhang also learned about external voices those that can be detrimental, if you listen to the wrong ones. My first lesson with George was 3 years ago. I duck-hooked a drive, Zhang began as she went blow-by-blow through the triple-bogey eight that derailed her run at the Augusta National Womens Amateur title. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. She defeated then reigning U.S. Womens Amateur champion Gabriela Ruffles on the 36th hole to crown herself the champ last year, and officially became the No. He cares about, and checks scores, for every single tournament his players compete in, no matter how big or small the tournament is. 1st. The next day, Zhang shot 67 and won the tournament. She won the NCAA Regional for an eighth victory, then finished T-2 at the NCAA Championship. But composure has hardly been a struggle for Zhang. Thanks to George, I am always able to find my confidence again and focus on my game. From all indications, Rose Zhang has adjusted well to college life. I learned more about how complicated the world can be., Zhang also learned about external voices thosethatcan be detrimental, if you listen to the wrong ones. We, and all of those who you touch, owe you a deep, thank you, from the heart. He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. She competed in the2019 U.S. Womens Openat 16 years of age. 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. We use TrackMan a lot., This impeccable self-awareness of the basics helps Zhang both technically and mentally on the course. I am definitely extremely grateful and blessed to have him as a coach, mentor, and friend. It was I cant, honestly, she said laughing. He has a very personal style where he has individual chats with her, where he listens to her as much as she listens to him. I dont think one person could say a negative thing about Rose.. He helps me stay driven.. LPGA TourMi Hyun KimHyun Hee MoonShi Hyun AhnAra KohIrene ChoRussy GulyanamittaHana KimSarah LeeJi Young LeeNa On MinAngela ParkAnna RawsonSung Ah Yim, Mini TourRyan CarterAndrew PatipaksiriLalita Patipaksiri, Japanese PGA TourJay Choi WinnerDavid Oh, Cactus Tour / Symetra TourJoy TrotterLalita Patipaksiri, Top AmateursKristen Park- USGA ChampionHenna ChoPatty ChawalithmethaRoy KimTiffany Lua UCLA & 2 time Curtis Cup Player. The WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKING ranks male and female amateur golfers by assessing performance at thousands of amateur golf tournaments and championships, worldwide. Its been 19 years since Lorena Ochoa had what many consider the most dominant single season in womens college golf history. I was always very into my golf game and didnt really have time to talk to other people. She competed in the 2019 U.S. Women's Open at 16 years of age. In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. She also credits her father for developing her into a tough competitor. Girls' Junior Am. Rose Zhang kicked off her sophomore season with a Pebble Beach course record and later a dominating victory at the Carmel Cup. She showed up to the course in jeans and a T-shirt and looked around at the other players wearing more traditional attire. Win or lose, when Zhang walks away from Team USA and returns to the usual isolating amateur summer, spending hours alone in the confines of her mind, a new Rose Zhang will emerge. Thank you for all to George Pinnell! After the round she went out to the range and started taking slow methodical swings with a 9-iron, going through the fundamentals that shes worked on with Pinnell all these years. Your hard work ethics are a good path for me to follow. Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. Nov 4, 2021 TRINITY, Texas Rose Zhang and Stanford University teammate Rachel Heck are the top two amateur golfers in the world and lead a world-class American women's team this week at the. Getty Images. Zhang has also signed with Amundi, Beats, Uswing and Paradox. We could not thank George enough for devoting some of his time to Angie's interest! Thats when Pinnell realized there was more to Zhang than the athletic teenager he first met whose swing still needed some tweaking. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Steady on, I hear you say, youre the man whos always saying predict future superstars at your peril. She started playing golf after her father Henry got golf clubs from a friend. He is very experienced and is truly an amazing person. 1-ranked amateur womens golfer on Earth. This is the first tournament of the2023 Golfweek Junior Tournament Series. Zhang is No. In June 2022, Adidas announced its first name, image, and likeness deal with Zhang, making her the company's first student athlete. AUGUSTA, Ga. Rose Zhang is the World No. 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. Shell be three back of the leader and the next thing you know, she finds a way to get something done.. Several times different people mentioned like this reminds them back in the day when Tiger was here in the 1990s and people in the community knew the players and were watching the players and wanting to come out and see them in person. They pile into a car, driven by Henry, and usually head to the course in silence. The discipline and focus are off-the-charts high. Amateur Championships in August, battling a left wrist injury that had her considering withdrawing from the tournament at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md. She does some amazing things, said George Pinnell, who has been Zhangs coach going on seven years. Henry, who is usually on the bag, followed every shot at Augusta from outside the ropes. 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. Hes always been the one to push me further and that really helps me get into the grit mindset,which takes over into my golf game, said Rose. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open. As we know, amateur success doesnt guarantee riches in professional golf. Rose Zhang was 138 yards from finishing her week in style. We appreciate your high standards, your persistence, your encouragement, and your sense of humor. Rose Zhang during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 03, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. He writes a weekly column on the county high school sports scene and also covers games and writes features. The information and support he gives to his players is really valuable. I dont really want to take any bad memories away from here.. After this recognition in 2019, I was inspired to get to reach new heights in my golf game and in my character. He asked Ko if he could introduce Zhang to her and snap a few photos of the pair. 19. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. This is where I think some of the best teaching happens. U.S. Women's Open Playing Record Through her slowed-down swings, Zhang realized that she was taking the club back too inside which was causing her to miss shots. Zhang arrived at Stanford with a string of amateur accomplishments to her name to match what Woods achieved in the unpaid game. When I didnt play golf I heard a lot more voices than when I was practicing, she said. Shot 64 to finish 2nd stage Japan Q-school to finish 3rd!!! We all should learn the life lessons, attitude and the tenacious fighting spirit that you have toward difficulties that you face. She never gets away from that, said Pinnell. My daughter Alice ziyi Zhao is lucky and proud to have George Pinnell as her golf coach, she likes his teaching very much. we learned a lot from him. He also teaches parents some advanced ideas about golf and how to become a good parent of a good golfer. Thats been the fun part. But when I'm ready, I think I will know it when I'm ready.. He has helped her get to a place where she can focus on what she needs to do. The day-to-day grind caught up with Zhang around the beginning of the year, when she battled tendinitis in her arm and wrist. Zhang carries a 4.6 grade-point average. 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. The tournament is open to any players age 13-19 who meet the eligibility requirements and are not yet affiliated with a college golf team. Learn how to socialize with other people.. As a team, Stanford shot an even-par 284 on Monday, the best round of the day by two shots over San Jose State, who sits two strokes back of the Cardinal with 18 holes left to play on Tuesday. That time was tough mentally and physically, said Zhang, who could not practice for several weeks. 8 Georgia, 1up, Won her semifinal match vs. No. The 2023 Golfweek Southwest Junior Open returns May 27-28, to award winning Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, AZ. It's a rapid. Stanford freshman Rose Zhang at Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex. Georges knowledge and experience gives him the ability to be direct and speak to what changes should be made to improve my performance. We all should learn the life lessons, attitude and the tenacious fighting spirit that you have toward difficulties that you face. And I think she has that in the back of her mind, but again, would never say it. The 16-year-old phenom is a junior at Pacific Academy in Irvine, where she holds a 4.6 GPA, which is all the more amazing since she missed 50 days of school last year for tournaments. Now, with a Girls Junior PGA and ANA Junior Inspiration championship under her belt (which landed her an LPGA. Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. I have been working with George since I was 14. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not have current access may request their free account here. Point average. That time was tough mentally and physically, said Zhang, who could not practice for several weeks. Zhang opened her college account by winning the Molly Collegiate Invitational before adding the Windy City Collegiate Classic the following week. But what does it actually take to reach this levelof achievement? The first question asked of her was to describe the adventure on the par-5 13th. Not only did the Irvine, Calif., native learn the importance of flushing a bad shot, she discovered how important it is to remain composed when television cameras are around. Bront Wittpenn/The Chronicle Zhang has spent the past 104. Before our friend referred us to Coach George, Angie was at a standstill and shot in the upper 80s and even 90s with consistent back pain after her freshman Fall season in December 2019. Then I readjust what I need to do.. She was just warming up. Only the top 30 American women were invited. A perfect Zhang story, but not often told, occurredat the 2020 Ping Invitational. 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. George has taught some of the best players in the world and helped them to where they are now in their careers. Girls' Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Ambefore theJunior. The writers gathered round laughed too. Its just I think sometimes you cant really be too hard on yourself, she said, especially when you are on the greatest stage of amateur golf. Zhang is No. He'll return for her title defense in the latter, which begins Monday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. She was different.. Its a rapid rise Pinnell wishes he could credit to his own coaching. Which is what makes Roses reaction to a tough loss all the more impressive. A lot of us want a little more than just golf, said Stanford sophomore Angelina Ye, who finished 15th and walked most of the back nine with Zhang. After pleasantries are exchanged at the elevator, Rose goes into game-face mode. She competed in the 2019 U.S. Women's Open at 16 years of age. Someday she hopes to play on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. She won the U.S. Womens Amateur title in 2020, the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur title in July and has held the No. As George Pinnell received more and more text messages from Rose Zhang, full of advanced questions about golf, he grew more and more confused. Zhang and Stanford have one more tournament on the fall schedule, the Pac-12 Preview in Hawaii the first week of November. Several people say this reminds them of when Tiger was here back in the 90s., I do believe that the best sports psychologist in the world is a square clubface at impact. Rory McIlroy. Zhang made the cut, finishing T-55 at 7-over 291 at age 16. This July, Zhang won the U.S. If she heard me say that, shed be furious at me.. 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.