Aug 28, 2021. She never gets away from that, said Pinnell. 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. George and I have become good friends during our time spent together during the last few years. In total the Players that have received instruction from George have accounted for 350+ tournament wins on the Professional, College and Junior levels. Rose Zhang, who is the top-ranked junior golfer in the world and a student at Irvine's Pacific Academy, signs with Stanford She is a senior at Pacific Academy in Irvine Pacific Academy's Rose. In recent years, players of Zhangs caliber have bypassed college golf or made their stays short. They like to keep it tight with few loose-moving parts. George Pinnell has worked with Zhang for six years and said the laser-focused teen rarely has time away from her golf and studies. Women used to not be allowed to even practice there.. 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. Its like having another me there to share the experiences.. Zhangs father was on the bag during her low-am run at the 2020 ANA and her U.S. Women's Amateur win. Rose Zhang (born May 24, 2003[1]) is an American amateur golfer. This mainly affected players from the former Soviet Union, such as Viktor Onopko, and the former Yugoslavia, such as Davor uker. For a player who easily grasps big-picture perspectives, the value of a back-up plan surely isnt lost on her. The Cardinal, who also are missing senior Brooke Seay because of a concussion, are ranked No. He has high expectations for me and he sacrificed a lot of time and effort for me. Rose Zhang defeated Gabriela Ruffles in 38 holes to claim the title. Girls' Junior on Saturday at Columbia Country Club in historic fashion. Zhang, 17, has won everything that can be won in womens amateur golf. (Photo courtesy of Stanford). Now, with a Girls Junior PGA and ANA Junior Inspiration championship under her belt (which landed her an LPGA. But what does it actually take to reach this levelof achievement? Pinnell didnt hear that story until a week later, and in that moment he finally understood why she rarely contacts him during a tournament with questions. Dave looked hale and healthy and said he still played golf a few times a week. Girls' Junior becoming the first player to win the U.S. Womens Ambefore theJunior. It changed my daily schedule that I was so used to., Although frustrating at times, the break was a turning point in Zhangs career. She has interests in business and management but remains undecided on a major. Her game is clearly ready for that next step. Rose Zhang, who is the top-ranked junior golfer, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Rose Zhang, who is the top-ranked junior golfer in the world and a student at Irvines Pacific Academy, signs with Stanford, Orange County scores and player stats for Saturday, March 4, Orange County girls water polo Top 10: Orange Lutheran finishes No. I just think that college is the place where Ill be able to play even better, shoot better scores and mature as a person and character., Rose Zhang during the final round of the Augusta National Womens Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 03, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. Its quite difficult, she said, because a lot of courses have closed down their short-game areas and their putting greens, and there are a lot of people who want to play golf so there are a lot of busy tee times. With the technology and his ability to analyze my swing effectively, my game has really improved greatly in each stage of junior and amateur golf. For now, I don't really have any intention of turning professional. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. 1 Stanford women's golf and sophomore Rose Zhang own two-shot leads following 36 holes at the Therese Hession Regional Challenge at Palos Verdes Golf Club. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Pinnell, 75, credits Zhangs father Henry for her strong mental approach, saying that she thrives on the challenges he presents. She defeated then reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Gabriela Ruffles on the 36th hole to crown. We got so much TV coverage. AUGUSTA, Ga. Rose Zhang approached the microphone with a smile. During my first few classes, George already corrected nearly unnoticeable but very crucial mistakes in just my set up that I had never even realized. 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. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. Statistics. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. Those who know 17-year-old Zhang best say shes kind, humble and funny. The day-to-day grind caught up withZhang around the beginning of theyear, whenshe battled tendinitis in her arm and wrist. The 2023 Golfweek Southwest Junior Open returns May 27-28, to award winning Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, AZ. Furthermore, George has shown genuine care for my mental and wellbeing outside of lessons when Im traveling for a golf tournament. 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. George quickly put her back on track for progress and health. In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. Her patience is just unreal. In June 2022, Adidas announced its first name, image, and likeness deal with Zhang, making her the company's first student athlete. 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. 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. She put her club in her bag and said, 'OK, Dad, lets go to dinner and get ready for tomorrow,' Pinnell recalled. She showed up to the course in jeans and a T-shirt and looked around at the other players wearing more traditional attire. At the2019 Pan American Games, she was on the winning U.S.mixed-gender teamand placed eighth in theindividual competition. Within 10 minutes, I had it, Zhang told her coach after the tournament. I really enjoyed everything about Stanford. I think shes going to blow any hard worker Ive ever had on my team away, said Cardinal coach Anne Walker. Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. The day-to-day grind caught up with Zhang around the beginning of the year, when she battled tendinitis in her arm and wrist. 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. The Irvine, Calif., resident has committed to enroll at Stanford University in the fall of 2021. Heck won five straight tournaments to cap her freshman year in the spring. Dave was a member of the Association of Golf Writers since 1986, giving great service to the association over the years. Only the top 30 American women were invited. Golfweekrecently caught up with Heather Daly-Donofrio, a former LPGA player and tour executive who leads the program. Rose Zhang - Women's Golf - Stanford University Athletics Skip To Main Content Pause All Rotators Skip To Main Content Stanford Athletics Main Navigation Menu Men's Sports Baseball Basketball Cross Country Fencing Football Golf Gymnastics Sailing Soccer Swimming and Diving Tennis Track and Field Volleyball Water Polo Women's Sports Rose Zhang has also been No. Phil Mickelson won three NCAA titles at ASU. But when I'm ready, I think I will know it when I'm ready.. To have that vibe around the program is a blast Its a special time for Stanford golf.. She won the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur and the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship. 1-ranked amateur womens golfer on Earth. No way.. 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. Last 104 weeks. She also got to play at the inaugural Augusta National Womens Amateur in Georgia last spring. What makes Rose Zhang the No. She lost her lead after a second-round 75 on the challenging Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma. 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. After several minutes she threw the club back in the bag and told her father Ive got it and that it was time to have a nice dinner and rest. She can be as good as she wants to be, Pinnell said. And when Rose makes a mistake when shes playing, you dont get too nervous, because she has a way of rectifying and really coming back strong.. The last couple days weve seen really nice crowds coming out to watch them play. The 2023 Golfweek Southwest Junior Open returns May 27-28, to award winning Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, AZ. To be in a position to earn Rolex Player of the Year honors again in 2020 was arduous. Within a little over half year, he was able to get Angie's confidence back and she started shooting within 70s which was previously very rare for her. MORE: Rose Zhang completes rare double with dominant victory at U.S. And after some lessons, she entered a nine-hole tournament to test her game. USGA A week before the U.S. Women's Amateur, Rose Zhang wasn't even sure she would be able to tee it up in the event. But she doesnt like to hear that. Steve was honored as Champion for Character by the CIF-Southern Section. Youre kidding me, Pinnell replied. Rose Zhang presented with McCormack medal at The Spirit. Many expect the No. Not surprisingly, the Cardinal are the No. #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. Oct 17, 2021. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. For me, Im learning so much from watching her, said Stanford womens coach Anne Walker. Over the past three years, George has been my coach/swing coach. He writes a weekly column on the county high school sports scene and also covers games and writes features. February 27, 2023 at 11:54 AM. she improved much under his good teaching and is on the way to succeed as a junior golfer step by step. Since receiving those text messages full of advanced golf questions, Pinnell has had an idea of Zhangs potential. But her achievements havenot come without routine discipline and a dedicated work ethic, and Zhang has honed in on what her keys are to success. He helps me stay driven.. Well, I think for me, I have a lot of maturing to do, Zhang said in April after finishing third at the Augusta National Womens Amateur. Which is what makes Roses reaction to a tough loss all the more impressive. Pinnell doesnt speak unless Zhang initiates. A. It changed my daily schedule that I was so used to., Although frustrating at times, the break was a turning point in Zhangs career. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. Among them a two-time Mark H McCormack Medal winner (2020 and 2021) as the leading player on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2020 U.S. Womens Amateur champion; 2021 U.S. Girls Champion; two-time Rolex Junior Player of the Year; a member of the victorious 2021 U.S. Curtis Cup team; low amateur in the 2020 ANA Inspiration with an 11th place finish. I only wish we could see him more often. Walker credits Pinnell for not only being a swing coach but a mentor, too. 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. 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. 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. 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. We all should learn the life lessons, attitude and the tenacious fighting spirit that you have toward difficulties that you face. It was I cant, honestly, she said laughing. But what does it actually take to reach this level of achievement? Steady on, I hear you say, youre the man whos always saying predict future superstars at your peril. She and her coach detail the keys to success. She competed in the 2019 U.S. Women's Open and was on the gold medal team at the 2019 Pan American Games . Players field: 43 of top 50 in OWGR, no Tiger, CL: Few devils in details of Tour's event restructure, Rahm falters with 76 in wind: 'It's f**king hard', Pod: Blessings, Colonial, & remembering Sykes, Day after Pebble record, Zhang wins fall opener, Zhang low am; likely headed back to Stanford. I was just like, Oh well, Ill just act natural, Zhang said. What characteristics about Zhang make her stand out from her competition? Her natural tempo is beautifully smooth and unteachable. It was tough to sit down and take a break to rest my wrist and arm. For us, Coach George Pinnell has been the best coach ever to help my daughter Alesia Barry succeed as a junior golfer. Through her slowed-down swings, Zhang realized that she was taking the club back too inside which was causing her to miss shots. and She said: Woods won two of his first three tournaments in the 1994/95 American college season. Rose Zhang initially thought tennis would be her calling. 2 Oregon, 3&1, Also won the Spirit International individual and team titles with teammate Rachel Heck and Team USA, T12th at 2022 Augusta National Women's Amateur, Finished T40th in U.S. Women's Open (June 2-5) at Pine Needles, Helped Team USA to 15.5-4.5 win in 2022 Curtis Cup at Merion, Played for Team USA at the Arnold Palmer Cup (July 1-3) in Geneva, Switzerland, Made cut at 2022 Evian Championship (July 21-24), Low amateur and Smyth Salver winner at AIG Women's Open (Aug. 4-7), Represented Team USA at World Amateur Team Championship (Aug. 24-27). I learned a lot more about the real world, she said. Zhang is the No. Steve Fryer covers high school sports at the Orange County Register. Zhangs father was on the bag during her low-am run at the 2020 ANA and her U.S. Womens Amateur win. 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. 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. Amanda Jessie Carlson first saw artistic swimming at age 8 when neighbors invited her to an annual water show by the Meraquas of Irvine. American Junior Golf Association 1980 Sports Club Drive Braselton, GA 30517 (877) 373-2542 (770) 868-4200 (Phone) (770) 868-4211 (Fax) ajga@ajga.org She feels she has a tremendous amount of learning to do, even though shes way ahead. She is disciplined beyond belief.. In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. Terms of Service Hell return for her title defense in the latter, which begins Monday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. 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. Shes more golf genius than I realised, but that doesnt surprise me., Her patience is unreal. He asked Ko if he could introduce Zhang to her and snap a few photos of the pair. 1st. We see the success of Rose Zhang: her wins, her clutch putts and her consistency. Ive struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. I loved the campus, the practice facility, the academic opportunities there and my coach and my teammates.. Only one American has earned LPGA Player of the Year honors since 1994 and that was Arkansas graduate Stacy Lewis in 2012 and 2014. 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. Point average. Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. My daughter Alice ziyi Zhao is lucky and proud to have George Pinnell as her golf coach, she likes his teaching very much. The multi-year deal was announced on the morning of Zhang entering the U.S. Women's Open.[13]. 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. She does some amazing things, said George Pinnell, who has been Zhangs coach going on seven years. Zhang arrived at Stanford with a string of amateur accomplishments to her name to match what Woods achieved in the unpaid game. He'll return for her title defense in the latter, which begins Monday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. 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. We see the success of Rose Zhang: her wins, her clutch putts and her consistency. Unlike sports such as soccer and basketball, golf has a steep start-up cost before you even arrive at the range with equipment. Shot 64 to finish 2nd stage Japan Q-school to finish 3rd!!! 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. She did not hit one shot on the range. I spent time last year with Dave when he, myself and Martin Vousden visited the late Bill Robertsons widow Caroline. After this recognition in 2019, I was inspired to get to reach new heights in my golf game and in my character. George and I have become good friends during our time spent together during the last few years. ; Players who represented the country they moved to in . First, she stays in the present. Its a rapid rise Pinnell wishes he could credit to his own coaching. Sep 28, 2021. Thats when Pinnell realized there was more to Zhang than the athletic teenager he first met whose swing still needed some tweaking. 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. Steve's first byline appeared in the Register in 1979. But she has realized that she needs to limit her circle and try to shut out any external stuff that may be negative.. 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. Not even Stanford alumni Tiger Woods managed that. And after watching her spend time practicing on the range,. In May 2022, Zhang won the individual NCAA Championship by 3 shots. And it helped me gain confidence in what I really want to do in the future.. On a school day, practice begins for Zhang at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30, consisting of 200-300 golf balls on the range and an hour each for chipping and putting. the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur title in July, Heck won five straight tournaments to cap her freshman year in the spring. Rose Zhang (born May 24, 2003 [1]) is an American amateur golfer. Zhang began playing golf at age 9 and now, at 18, is the best amateur player in the world. Zhang has played her first nine rounds of college golf in in 23 under par, with an average score of 69.1. She was named by American Junior Golf Association as the 2019 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year. Watching her overall, the big word that I take away is the sheer joy of watching a very patient player. True, so lets not hand the precocious teenager a trophy cabinet full of major silverware just yet. George once told me that a player doesnt know how good a coach is, until they know how much he or she, cares. Im pretty in tune in knowing what my body is doing," she said. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not have current access may request their free account here. Junior Rachel Heck, the 2021 NCAA individual champion . When on the road with Zhang at an event, the coach and pupil have a most unusual pre-game routine. We are so lucky to be working with a truly talented coach. Zhang opened her college account by winning the Molly Collegiate Invitational before adding the Windy City Collegiate Classic the following week. Thanks for everything George. We are so lucky to be working with a truly talented coach. Her father is her part-time caddie. Zhang carries a 4.6 grade-point average. Within 10 minutes, I had it, Zhang told her coach after the tournament. But were these questions really from a middle schooler, when they read more like something a 20-year-old would ask? 2021 Won her first three college tournaments as a Stanford freshman, breaking Tiger Woods record. And I think she knows that. During my first few classes, George already corrected nearly unnoticeable but very crucial mistakes in just my set up that I had never even realized. I showcased this inspiration almost immediately after receiving the award when I won the Rolex Tournament of Champions to start off 2020. I think its our responsibility to just be excited and happy to be on this golf course and to be able to be in contention. And not only does he teach my daughter golf skills, he also coaches her on mental guidance and how to be a better person. 2023 She never actually hit a golf ball. He has helped her get to a place where she can focus on what she needs to do. 11. I dont set specific goals, but try to keep myself in a strict practice, said Zhang. On her 19th birthday she was presented with the Annika Award for best female college golfer of the year. Getty Images. 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. [1], Zhang attended Pacific Academy and enrolled at Stanford University in 2021.[3][4]. She's already 263rd on the Rolex Womens World Golf Rankings. Yes, the messages were from Zhangs number, the 12-year-old golfer Pinnell was coaching. 6 in Golfweeks girls junior rankings and No. His ability to recognize anything from small details to major mistakes has greatly improved the consistency of my swing. That event was definitely very hard, Zhang said. Still, her early accomplishments have been nothing but stellar. Henry, who is usually on the bag, followed every shot at Augusta from outside the ropes. Thats been the fun part. 1-ranked amateur in September after finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. 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. And my ability to play under pressure is pretty good. Before nodding off the night before tournaments, Zhang likes to mentally prepare herself by listening to audio recordings of the Bible. Zhang made the final round and finished 17th. 1-ranked amateur in Septemberafter finishing T-11 at the ANA Inspiration. George has been a critical part of my development as a player both physically and mentally as he has provided me great advice not only in golf but in life as well. I could go on, but you get the drift. Rose Zhang makes it three in a row at Stanford Intercollegiate. That would be Irvine resident Rose Zhang, a senior at Pacific Academy, a high-academics kindergarten-through-12th-grade private school in Irvine. Someday she hopes to play on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. 21.8301. Girls' Junior Am. 19. They pile into a car, driven by Henry, and usually head to the course in silence. Could she recall the last time shed made a triple? She also credits her father for developing her into a tough competitor. This will be Zhang's second U.S. Women's Open start. We paid a visit to Bills grave and then sat around swapping old stories. 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. The discipline and focus are off-the-charts high. So he asked her who was writing the messages during their next lesson. As the warmup begins on the range, it remains quiet. That was very frustrating since she started golf late and had only been playing for two and half years. It's been a great month of golf for me so far thanks to George Pinnell! His ability to recognize anything from small details to major mistakes has greatly improved the consistency of my 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. Steve also is in the Southern California Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, and was the first journalist to receive the Contribution to Education award from the Orange County Department of Education. That was very frustrating since she started golf late and had only been playing for two and half years. Zhangs desire to focus on the process and not the results; her ability to zone in on her fundamentals, to be in total sync with her game; the caliber and quality of people with whom she surrounds herself, all boils down to one person Zhangs father, Henry. He cares about, and checks scores, for every single tournament his players compete in, no matter how big or small the tournament is. Predicting how child prodigies will fare in the future is a bit like trying to guess winning lottery numbers. Thanks for everything George. 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. Thanks to George, I am always able to find my confidence again and focus on my game. 1-ranked team in the Womens Golf Coaches Association polls, having won all three team titles so far this fall. Bront Wittpenn/The Chronicle Zhang has spent the past 104. Watching her overall, the main word I take away is shes a joy to be around and a very patient player.. 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. She won the U.S. Womens Amateur title in 2020, the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur title in July and has held the No. She practices every day after school. Tempo is biggest thing for her. My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life and in my character, said Zhang. Georges knowledge and experience gives him the ability to be direct and speak to what changes should be made to improve my performance. He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. He is always there to check in with how I am feeling before and after the rounds. USE OF AND/OR REGISTRATION ON ANY PORTION OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF OURVISITOR AGREEMENT(UPDATED 1/6/23),PRIVACY AND COOKIES NOTICE(UPDATED 1/4/23) ANDCALIFORNIA PRIVACY NOTICE. Thank you for all to George Pinnell!