USAs Rose Zhang sets new record as Top Female Amateur Golfer in the World

In the women's World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®), Rose Zhang of the United States of America eclipsed the previous record for the most weeks at the top. Rose has now held the title of top women's amateur golfer for 136 weeks, breaking the previous mark of 135 weeks held by Leona Maguire of Ireland in 2018.

After reaching the top of the WAGR® rankings for the first time in September 2020, the 19-year-old has held that spot ever since, breaking Lydia Ko's previous mark of 130 weeks.

“It's an incredible honour and a reflection of the hard effort put in by my team and Myself, as well. It's amazing to see names like Lydia and Leona on any list; they both have had successful professional careers and are excellent role models in golf. I appreciate all the help I've had and intend to keep playing this game to the best of my ability.” She stated.

Future star

Leona Maguire stated, "I want to congratulate Rose on her outstanding accomplishment. To constantly hold the top amateur golfer in the world ranking for a record-breaking amount of weeks demonstrates just how outstanding a golfer Rose is. It takes so much hard work and perseverance to achieve that position. She will eventually become a gaming star.”

Being the top female amateur golfer in the world in 2020, 2021, and 2022, Rose shared the Mark H. McCormack Medal with Ko and Maguire as the only three-time winners of the honour.

The recent Augusta National Women's Amateur, the 2022 NCAA Championship, and the US Women's Amateur from two years ago are notable victories within this period. She also placed T-11 in the 2020 Chevron Tournament, qualified for the 2019 US Women's Open as a 16-year-old, and earned the Smyth Salver as the top amateur at the AIG Women's Open at Muirfield last year.

"We would like to congratulate Rose on this record-breaking feat at the highest level of women's amateur golf, as well as her recent win at the Augusta National Women's Amateur," said Professor Steve Otto, Chief Technical Officer of The R&A.

“She has continuously produced excellent achievements for some time, and she keeps proving why she is so well-liked in the sport. Her participation in the AIG Women's Open at Walton Heath this year is something we eagerly anticipate.”

John Bodenhamer, the USGA's chief championships officer, said of Rose: "Rose continues to develop upon an amazing amateur career, and all of us at the USGA would like to congratulate her on her fantastic record-breaking feat. She has constantly delivered at the top levels and has been an inspiration to so many young girls throughout the world. We are aware that this is just the beginning of a lengthy and significant career in the game.”