2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur | Rose Zhang secures win in final round

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Rose Zhang, the top-ranked amateur in women’s golf, is the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion. She defeated University of Georgia senior Jenny Bae with a par on the second playoff hole at No. 10. Both finished the final round at -9.

Rose Zhang of the United States hugs Jenny Bae of the United States after winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on the second playoff hole on the No. 10 hole during the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 1, 2023. (Photo courtesy: Augusta National Golf Club)

“I greatly wanted to win this, and it was just such a — it was a huge desire. Just getting the invite is a special moment, let alone playing in the final round all four times (that she has participated),” Zhang said in the interview room afterward. “Augusta National is a true testament to our game.

Play resumed at 1:48 p.m. after a three-hour and 18 minute delay due to inclement weather. Tee times were scheduled earlier than usual for the final round of this tournament, with players teeing off on both No. 1 and No. 10. The final pairing of leader Zhang and Andrea Lignell teed off at 8:50 a.m.

Rose Zhang of the United States plays her stroke from the No. 3 tee during the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 1, 2023. (Photo courtesy: Augusta National Golf Club)

Bae erased a six-shot deficit by shooting 70 versus Zhang’s 76 during Saturday’s final round to force the playoff.

Jenny Bae of the United States players her shot from the first tee during the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 01, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“It will definitely give me a lot of confidence, especially I just shot 9-under in one of the most stressful and pressuring environments,” Bae said. “I can just take so much from this. Once I start my Epson TOUR career, I’ll be a lot more confident heading in.”

Andrea Lignell, who played with Zhang in the final pairing Saturday, began the day five back. The Ole Miss senior, who led the Rebels to the 2022 NCAA Women’s Golf national championship, shot a final round 74, good enough for solo third at -6.

Cayetana Fernandez Garcia-Poggio of Spain, the 2022 World Junior Girls champion shot 71 to finish solo fourth. Baba, the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, shot 70 for the second straight round to finish in a three-way tie for fifth.