Augusta Winner Rose Zhang Sets Amateur World No.1 Record
The 19-year-old has surpassed the record of 135 weeks set by Leona Maguire in 2018
It has been a momentous year already for Rose Zhang, thanks largely to her win in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur earlier in the month.
However, she also recently surpassed Lydia Ko’s record of 130 consecutive weeks at the top of the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and has now broken the record for the total number of weeks at the top. Zhang has now spent 136 weeks as World No.1, beating the 135 weeks set by Leona Maguire in 2018.
After her latest achievement, Zhang explained she was honoured to break both records. She said: “It’s an unbelievable honour and a testament to a lot of hard work not just by me but by my team as well. Passing names like Lydia and Leona on any list is incredible; they’ve both gone on to have such impressive professional careers and are great role models in golf. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received and look forward to continuing to pursue my dreams in this game.”
Maguire, who now plays on the LPGA Tour and is World No.15, congratulated Zhang and predicted even greater things for her in the future. She said: “I want to congratulate Rose on this amazing achievement. It takes so much hard work and determination to become the world’s number one amateur golfer and to consistently hold that position for a record-breaking number of weeks shows just how good a golfer Rose really is. She is a future star of the game.”
Chief Technology Officer at The R&A, Professor Steve Otto said: “We would like to congratulate Rose on this record-breaking achievement at the highest level of women’s amateur golf, as well as her recent success at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
“She has consistently delivered outstanding results for some time now and continues to show why she is so highly regarded in the sport. We look forward to seeing her compete in the AIG Women’s Open once more at Walton Heath this year.”
USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer added the organisation’s congratulations, saying: “Rose continues to build upon an exceptional amateur career, and all of us at the USGA would like to congratulate her on this incredible record-breaking achievement.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
“She has become a role model to so many young girls around the world and has consistently performed at the highest levels. We know this is only the start of what will be a long and impactful career in the game.”
Zhang was collecting honours long before this year. She qualified for the 2019 US Women’s Open aged just 16. The year after, she finished tied for 11th in Major The ANA Inspiration (now The Chevron Championship).
Two years ago, she won the US Women’s Amateur, then, in 2022, she was awarded the Mark H McCormack Medal as the world’s leading women’s amateur golfer for the third successive year. That saw her join Maguire and Ko as the only three-time recipients of the accolade. Also last year, she also won the NCAA Championship, while she was the leading amateur at the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
How Does NIL Work In NCAA College Golf?
Name, image and likeness deals were given the green light by the NCAA in 2021, but how does it work in college golf?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Which Players Secured A DP World Tour Card At The 2024 Challenge Tour Grand Final?
The Challenge Tour Grand Final threw up drama yet again, as 22 players secured their playing rights and cards to the DP World Tour next season
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rio Takeda Continues Incredible Run Of Form With Lengthy Playoff Win In Home Open
Takeda added to her incredible run of form in 2024, as the Japanese star secured the TOTO Japan Classic title in a six hole playoff against Marina Alex
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Charley Hull Claims First Victory In Two Years, Chiara Tamburlini Makes History In Rookie LET Season
Both Hull and Tamburlini tasted success in Riyadh, with Hull claiming the Aramco Team Series event, whilst Tamburlini secured LET Order of Merit honors
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Two-Time Major Winner Announces She Is Winding Down Her Competitive Playing Career
After enjoying a career that has seen eight LPGA Tour titles, including two Majors, it has been revealed by Brittany Lincicome that she will start winding down her competitive career
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LPGA Tour Event Reduced To 54 Holes After Tropical Storm Kong-Rey
After Saturday's play was completely washed out due to the tropical storm, the LPGA Tour announced that the Toto Japan Classic will be reduced to 54 holes
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Full Field And Teams Confirmed Ahead Of 2024 Tournament
All 16 pairings have been unveiled ahead of the second-ever Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in December
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Curtis Cup Star Jasmine Koo Wins Third Consecutive Collegiate Title
Jasmine Koo secured the East Lake Cup to become the first USC Trojan to win three consecutive titles since 2013
By Elliott Heath Published
-
How Much Did Rio Takeda Win At The TOTO Japan Classic?
Mone Inami defends her title as the Asian Swing section of the LPGA Tour season concludes with the Toto Japan classic at Seta Golf Club
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Aramco Team Series Riyadh Prize Money Payout 2024
Alison Lee defends her title in Riyadh
By Mike Hall Published