Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

U.S. Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis already taking about Rose Zhang making team

Written by 
Published in Golf
Tuesday, 20 June 2023 02:00

SPRINGFIELD N.J. — There was only one way Rose Zhang could become eligible for September's Solheim Cup in Spain. 

She needed an LPGA win before then, and in her first professional start three weeks ago at the Mizuho Americas Open, the 20-year-old emerged victorious, becoming the first woman to accomplish that feat since Beverly Hanson in 1951.

That caught the U.S. Solheim Cup captain's eye. 

"I've texted with Rose a little bit since her win, just needed her to try some clothes on and stuff like that," Stacy Lewis told GolfChannel.com at KPMG Women's PGA media day, June 12. "I was letting her get over last week before I started bugging her. Yeah, the (assistant) captains and I already started talking about (Zhang making the team)."

Earlier than expected. 

"Rose was more on my radar for 2024," said Lewis, who will also captain next year's Solheim Cup squad as the biennial event moves back to an even-year rotation, "because I knew she was going to be turning pro after two years (at Stanford)."

Rose Zhang captured the Mizuho Americas Open, becoming the first woman to win on the LPGA in her first professional start since 1951.

Zhang, who had one of the greatest amateur careers ever, didn't earn any Solheim Cup points for her maiden LPGA victory, as she wasn't a tour member yet. However, she now can, having accepted membership following her win. 

It helps that Zhang already has a relationship with Lewis. The two-time major champion captained Zhang at the 2021 Spirit International Amateur, in which Zhang helped lead the U.S. to victory while also capturing the individual championship.

That could be of benefit in the former No. 1 amateur in the world receiving a captain's pick, however, Lewis believes Zhang could automatically qualify for the team in the next three months. The top two players in the Rolex Rankings that don't make the U.S. squad off points will earn a spot on the team. Zhang is currently No. 61 in the world. 

"She's moving up the Rolex Rankings so fast that I think she could potentially end up sneaking into the Rolex spots and not even need a pick," Lewis said. 

And Zhang's rapid rise is not a shock to Lewis. 

"That's just how good she is," Lewis said, "anyone who's followed college golf knows that's not a surprise."

Heading into the thick of major championship season, this time of year can make or break a player's Solheim Cup hopes. 

"Now it's so important just because it's so close (to the Solheim Cup), it's about who's trending in the right direction," Lewis said, "but your majors is your best example for, 'How do they play under pressure?'"

Though the two-time NCAA individual champion burst onto the professional scene in Jersey City, overcoming nerves on Sunday to defeat major champion Jennifer Kupcho on the second playoff hole, there's still a lot of golf to be played between now and September — and nobody's made Lewis' 12-player roster yet. 

"There's a lot of points, there's a lot of things to play for these next three months," she said. "So, I just want [Zhang] to know we're paying attention, but she's got to go earn her spot just like everybody else."

Zhang, however, is ready for the task at hand. 

"I think this is just the start," she said after notching the victory at Liberty National. "This is just a stepping stone. It's crazy that this is my first win, first professional win already, but no doubt there is going to be a lot more things happening down the road."

Maybe, that includes helping Team USA to its first Solheim Cup win in six years. 

Read 199 times

Soccer

NYCFC's new stadium to be named Etihad Park

NYCFC's new stadium to be named Etihad Park

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNew York City FC's $780 million, 25,000-seat venue that it intends...

Sources: Tuchel hires Hilario as England GK coach

Sources: Tuchel hires Hilario as England GK coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThomas Tuchel is set to add Chelsea goalkeeping coach Hilario to hi...

Son lauds Palestine spirit as example to follow

Son lauds Palestine spirit as example to follow

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTottenham captain Son Heung-Min praised the spirit showed by Palest...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Mavs' Doncic out at least week with wrist strain

Mavs' Doncic out at least week with wrist strain

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has sustained a right wrist strai...

Jenkins becomes Grizzlies' winningest coach

Jenkins becomes Grizzlies' winningest coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Taylor Jenkins has moved to the top of the Memphi...

Baseball

Pirates hire former player Hague as hitting coach

Pirates hire former player Hague as hitting coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have hired Matt Hague as their...

Is Aaron Judge the best pure home run hitter of all time?

Is Aaron Judge the best pure home run hitter of all time?

EmailOpen Extended ReactionsRemember Aaron Judge? The guy who hit 58 home runs? Had the highest sing...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated