Roszhang has a lot of admiration. Before becoming a professional player two years ago, she was arguably the most winning amateur in women’s golf history. She is now in the LPGA competition and has already won two professional victories at the age of 21. Gen-Z sports for the game.
While working as a communications major at Stanford University, Zhang earned 22 credits this winter (she completed a 10-week quarter a year to balance the school with the international LPGA program). When Zhang completed her third-to-distance course on her way to the 2027 graduation date, she caught up sports To talk about the LPGA’s status, her adjusted preseason plan and her new attempt at experimenting with golf simulators. Zhang is now a minority investor in the Bay Golf Club of TGL San Francisco team. According to TGL, there is an active discussion with LPGA to design matches that can blend top female players. With virtual holes, players in the hybrid event can all hit from the same T-shirt box, and the technique adjusts the appropriate distance. The prospect of this arrangement is certainly tempting, and Zhang is very interested in it.
The conversation was edited for clarity and length.
You are the latest investor in TGL. How did that happen?
I’ve heard of it on social media, but I never really thought about becoming an investor. My agent gave me the opportunity. For me, it was a low bet because I wasn’t the one who played there. It’s cool when it comes to investing, and it’s the first thing I’ve invested in at least the golf world. The Bay Area has played a major role in my life and career. I’m a student-athlete at Stanford, and I’m playing a lot of golf in SF City and being able to be part of it in a more meaningful way was my first idea. It makes it even more amazing when seeing other athletes like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala. Watch the team on TV and say, “Oh, I’m involved!” Not really…but I do. I also invested emotionally.
Have you seen a lot of TGLs?
I have cool technology and interior amenities, which even provides energy that non-golfers can enjoy. I think it’s a really good platform to reveal different parts of the game, show people’s personality and have some fun. Some of my non-golf friends are like, “Oh, this thing is like a whole stadium, are you playing golf indoors? What does that mean?” You already have all this crazy lights- basically turned into a game show. This is a great source of entertainment for those who don’t get in touch with it. You won’t see the personality of the golfer because we can’t speak. All of this entertainment is that players have risen and interact with fans and with each other. People love to see competition and friendship, but there is some kind of explosion for every personality.
Should LPGA players be part of TGL?
I think this is a topic of discussion. That would definitely be very interesting. Its format brings many kinds – indoor golf, one or team with team. Having diversity does bring this platform into life. I can definitely see the LPGA jumping onto the ship and having specific players participate in the TGL event. I went to the “Compet” with Rory McIlroy, Lexi Thompson and Max Homa. It’s similar to this, but it’s both inside and indoors, so it’s fair drama for everyone. I don’t think a lot of people understand that there are many characters on the LPGA Tour. You have a lot of people with personalities that are perfect for this format.
Who should TGL recruit from LPGA?
We’re talking about popular characters here. First, I think I would love to see Meghan Khang Hop. She knows how to speak, for sure. Charley Hull is a world-famous name and it’s really fun to see what she does. If you want a really good player, then you have Lydia Ko and you have Nelly Korda.
Zhang’s highlight of 2024 is that she participates in a winning Solheim Cup team. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
You made your debut at the HGV Championship and posted on the T10 Finist, but we know it’s just a break for your winter study at Stanford. How did you treat you during the offseason?
This is much more than actual golf academics. I’m so excited that I’m working on a lot of cool projects. I’m hosting an AJGA event. I’ve been focusing on school, hanging out with friends, and being with people I haven’t been able to hang out with for the past two years. It’s great to have some bonds and then enjoy the offseason again. Given that I’m still balancing academics and golf balls, it’s a wear. But grated honesty challenged me.
What classes do you want to take this semester?
I am taking algorithms, deliberating democracy and its critics, Hebrew Jewish short stories lessons, Science and Technology and Society lessons, and a course called “Sleep and Dreams.” This is a cognitive science class. If you fall asleep during a speech, you will receive reward points. You will be awakened by the spray gun.
Did you deliberately decide to take a step back from golf and go to school by yourself this year?
really. Especially last year, I was able to balance golf and school, but my social life was a little hampered. I have a lot of difficulties in physically balancing myself and my health. In this sense, it’s a bit difficult. This year, I have made more intentional. I’m taking 22 courses. This is a big burden for any student. I essentially decide to complete my scholar and prioritize it, and then when I can rest and recover, it’s time for me to spend time with people. Just need some maintenance down, so when I started playing at the end of March, I wasn’t completely tired and was wiped out since the last three months. Much better. I personally hope to prepare for the best way to start in March. With a very long season, my first priority is to take a break.
What are some of the ICs in your health?
Everything piled up. I did a lot of intense exercises in school and I also had a lot of classes. I’ve just entered the season, too. I spread a little bit in the way I practice and do things. By the end of this year, my wrist started in 2020, my wrist was often present and it was back. I don’t want it to stay chronic, so that’s a priority. I slowly started to fit my wrists to make sure it was strong. You can get physical therapy and resolve inflammation, but to strengthen or at least return it to normal performance, you will need to do circuits involving resistance and weight. That would make me want to go.
Do you have any ideas change or goals you hope to achieve in 2025?
The first thing that comes to my mind – I’m talking to the entire team about it – I just want to make sure I intentionally do what I do with myself and the schedule that I plan with them. For example, I want to be responsible for everything balanced and actually do everything. Make sure I exercise with my coach, relax my body and relax my body and mind so that I can work with the coach and practice effectively. I created a timetable for myself that I hope to be with. So when a lot of things happen to the tour, I have a plan backwards. Last year, I thought I was misleading in the way I prepared for the event. So, this is a major priority for the year. I’m not too worried about the result. If you can plan the process and follow it, that’s when the results come.
Are you feeling comforted as you stick to a process?
I found freedom. Once you know the trajectory you are planning, that is that you have more agencies to consider at least whether you need to deviate from the plan. I’ve done so much here and went there – not fulfilling my priorities.
You will start using Aimpoint this fall. Has it been helping you? What is the learning process?
Actually, I started using it in Annika and that week was my best week touring so far. I’m very encouraged by this. Obviously, I still have to do some exercises. I do believe this has helped me a lot, especially with my confidence. There are also slow games – it won’t slow down others if you do it right. As long as you are polite, that is the biggest thing.
Zhang changed her behavior late last year and turned to Aimpoint strategy. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Speaking of slow games, LPGA has released a new slow game policy. Do you think there is a slow game problem this tour?
This is definitely expressed by many players. We need a lot of time to wait, especially on 5 and 3 faces. It slows down your day and slows down everything for the people watching. Ultimately, I think players can create their own routines so that they don’t become slow players. Some players struggle in this area, I understand. I’m glad that LPGA has this regulation for everyone to follow. I’m not a very fast player, but I’m paranoid about slow speed. I’ve been playing junior golf on AJGA since I was a kid and you get these red cards when you’re slow.
The LPGA is looking for a new specialist. What should their top priority be?
There is a tough balance between the business aspect of golf and the actual competitive world of golf, so I understand how challenging it is. I hope the biggest thing the new specialist has to do is at least provide communication or at least clear communication so that what they intend to do and what you want to transfer to the player. You must develop your LPGA through participation, transactions, sponsorship. This requires a lot of equalizers, and in this sense requires a lot of intelligence. I’m going to say that the new commissioner really needs to embody the basic things that can really improve the LPGA. This is not easy. They also have to have the best interests of the players, which is a great solution. That’s why I say communication is a super key. If players know where business ideas come from, they may want to criticize things, but if they at least have a voice to tell them what’s going on, they will also criticize things. That’s the biggest thing.
Do you think LPGA is enough to promote its stars?
I don’t believe it. I speak for many players who believe in this too. The reason is, I think the characters need to really show what this tour is about, which gives people a story or something to interact with. LPGA has been trying. I don’t think this happened. They are providing more engagement to LPGA players to reach the public. There are already characters on the tour willing to fill those shoes. Honestly, this is just the strategic aspect now. Expose them to the platform, the media, and others. Many players are already willing to do so. You need a stick with both ends. Players willing to put themselves there, and travel that is willing to push you away. There are many measures behind the scenes. I didn’t let them not do anything discourage me, that’s more, so they haven’t done much.
(Top photo: Cliff Hawkins/Getty image)
