AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rose ZhangShe has been able to prove that it is rare for something so meaningful to come so easily. Her final piece of her remarkable amateur career was the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
It turned out to have been her most difficult test.
She was five shots behind and was at 4-over par through seven holes. The final round at the Masters, which was delayed by storms for 3 1/2 hours, was still underway. She made a poor decision on the par-5 15th and decided to go for it. She ended up in the water. She had to be careful Jenny BaeStand over a 20-foot birdie putt on your first playoff hole for a chance at winning
Zhang won it all. The only easy shot Saturday was Zhang’s final stroke. She tapped in for par on the second hole, just inches away, to beat Bae in a playoff that no one expected.
“I feel that when your swing is not comfortable, it’s very difficult to play on a very difficult course like Augusta National. Zhang stated that every mistake is magnified when you play on such a high-profile stage. “So I think that just being in a position to get back on track was my greatest feat today.
Zhang closed the round with a 4-over 75 and received assistance at the end.
Bae, a Georgia senior, pulled her approach on No. The ball stopped under a bush on the second playoff hole at No. 10, which was Bae’s final round. She drove her fourth shot, bouncing up to and across the bunker-elevated green.
Zhang was able to hit two putts at 35 feet. Zhang stood straight and extended her left arm to guide the cup in the cup. She was able to make it miss, but not enough. Zhang doubled over with relief and satisfaction.
It was the perfect pose to be the best amateur in women’s golf for three years.
Rose, take a bow.
The Stanford sophomore sophomore, 19, was surrounded and pampered by her Stanford colleagues. One of them even gave her a red rose.
Zhang now holds the U.S. Women’s Amateur. This is an NCAA title at Stanford, and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. It is in its fourth season, but Zhang is already regarded among the most prestigious because it is played there.
Zhang said, “It has been amazing.” “The week began with a lot happening. I was given a lot to do, and I had high expectations. To overcome all, I’m just super thankful to be here.”
Bae was trailing the No. After a double bogey on Number. 3. She did manage to pick up three birdies on the way, the last one being an approach to the 17th that caught Zhang’s eye. They finished at 9-under207.
Bae’s hopes ended with one swing.
“I felt confident. Bae stated that she thought she had just pulled it a bit and it moved past the green into the back bushes. Rose had a wonderful day, despite my attempts. “Here’s my compliments.”
Zhang was flawless for the two rounds at Champions Retreat. She set two tournament scoring records with an opening 66, and then a 65 to lead five.
Augusta National was a completely different story. She never felt at ease, even with a slight tweak to her grip on the back nine.
But it was her decision at No. It was her decision on No. 15 that almost cost her. Zhang could see Bae in her group ahead making her par, so the lead remained just two shots. She chose to play for the green and slapped her thigh when the ball was in the air. She knew she had it. She saw the end before she saw it.
“Didn’t even get close to the green,” she stated. “I was kinda mad at myself for opening the doorway so wide.”
She was also clutch on that hole. After the drop, she pitched the water to 18ft and sent it about 6 feet from the hole. If she missed it, the last of her five-shot lead will be gone.
Zhang stated, “That putt was necessary for me confidence.” “It would have been the end of me if I didn’t make that,” Zhang said.
She parred the last five holes, two in a playoff. After receiving the trophy from Fred Ridley, Masters Chairman, Butler Cabin spoke to the crowd.
“I knew that a five-shot lead on this course is not enough. Zhang said that a ten shot lead is not enough. “Every hole matters.”
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