In a back-and-forth final day, it was Rose Zhang who eventually came out on top, with the American parring the 10th hole, defeating Jenny Bae at the second playoff to give her, somewhat, an amateur career Grand Slam!
Having claimed the 2020 US Women's Amateur, 2021 US Girls Junior, 2022 NCAA Women's Individual, the only title missing from her CV was the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Now though, as Zhang has secured a fourth Major title in her fourth year, she can add the decorated title to her trophy cabinet.
The winning moment for Rose Zhang.#ANWAGolf pic.twitter.com/ivya9lfNG8April 1, 2023
Beginning the final day, it seemed that it was going to be the Zhang show, with the 19-year-old starting the round with a five-shot lead at Augusta National. However, an opening double bogey showed there were nerves there, but a birdie at the par 5 second somewhat steadied the ship.
At one point, Zhang actually went to six shots clear, but bogeys at the fourth, fifth and seventh saw that lead wiped down to three. The World No.1 Amateur was visibly struggling so, during the seventh hole, the blow of the hooter because of incoming weather was a blessing as it allowed her to almost restart.
Upon returning though, after many hours in the clubhouse, her struggles continued as those in pursuit started to hone in on the American. After a five shot lead had got down to one, a crucial birdie at the 13th meant Zhang had a two shot cushion with just five holes remaining.
A par at the 14th was welcome but, at the par 5 15th, things started to unravel for Zhang after she decided to go for the green when a lay up was the more sensible option. Striking her fairway wood, it never looked like getting over the water as a bogey saw her lead go back to one.
A few holes ahead, it was Bae that made the killer move, with a birdie at the 17th tying things up at the top of the leaderboard. As she parred the 18th, Zhang had a chance to birdie the last and secure the win but, as she struck the putt, it stayed high, meaning we were heading to a playoff.
Two pars followed at the first playoff hole but at the second, the par 4 10th, it was Bae who blinked first, with her pulled second shot finishing on the pine straw and deep in the trees. With Zhang on the green in two, an unlikely up-and-down would need to happen.
However, Bae could only find the greenside bunker and, after she played a stunning shot from there, it would be Zhang who would have two putts for the title. As she struck her birdie attempt, it seemed only one would be needed but, after somehow staying out, a simple tap-in ensured yet another high-level victory.
