As She Competes at $2,750,000 Event, Golf Phenom Rose Zhang Impresses Former Prodigy and LPGA Legend Michelle Wie West
Talent recognizes talent, or in the case of Michelle Wie West, one prodigy recognizes another. The LPGA legend is, without a doubt, one of the most talented prodigies in the history of golf. Back in 2000, a 10-year-old West became the youngest player ever to qualify for a USGA amateur championship. At age 14, despite failing to make the cut, she gave tough competition to many of the world’s top men players at the Sony Open.
Now, as West turns host with the inaugural edition of Mizuho Americas Open, she couldn’t help but heap praise on golf’s current phenom, Rose Zhang. Here is how the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open winner reacted to Zhang’s stunning achievements!
20-year-old Rose Zhang has truly become a force to be reckoned with. Just days ago, she successfully defended her NCAA National Championship crown, becoming the first-ever women’s golfer to do so. With 12 wins in her bag, she further tied with Lorena Ochoa for most NCAA career victories. In doing so, she also set a Stanford University benchmark for wins, breaking the 11-wins record held by four Stanford alums, one of whom is none other than Tiger Woods.
Last week, after spending a jaw-dropping 141 weeks as a top-ranked amateur, Zhang announced to the world that she would be officially turning pro. Consequently, she made her debut at the ongoing Mizuho Americas Open, which LPGA great Michelle Wie West is hosting.