Rose Zhang sets record for most weeks at top of WAGR

Rose Zhang has made history by breaking the record for most weeks spent at the top of the women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking. 

Zhang surpassed Leona Maguire’s record of 135 weeks as the leading amateur in the world, winning three Mark H. McCormack medals in the process.

Winning three of those prestigious medals, which are given to the player at the top of the ranking at the end of each year, is a record only Maguire, Zhang and current professional world No.1 Lydia Ko hold. 

Zhang, who is a student at Standford University, reached the position of world No.1 in September 2020 and has held onto the top spot ever since.

• 150th Open delivered £300m+ boost to Scotland

• Unvaccinated hopeful set to miss Chevron C’ship

“It’s an unbelievable honour and a testament to a lot of hard work not just by me but by my team as well,” said the 19-year-old.  

“Passing names like Lydia and Leona on any list is incredible; they’ve both gone on to have such impressive professional careers and are great role models in golf. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received and look forward to continuing to pursue my dreams in this game.” 

Zhang has already enjoyed a glittering amateur career, which includes a win at the recently played Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where she triumphed in a playoff.  

She’s competed in six major championships, including two AIG Women’s British Opens, where she finished in a tie for 28th in 2022.

“I want to congratulate Rose on this amazing achievement,” said Leona Maguire. “It takes so much hard work and determination to become the world’s number one amateur golfer and to consistently hold that position for a record-breaking number of weeks shows just how good a golfer Rose really is. She is a future star of the game.”

• Fellow PGA Tour pro defends Cantlay

• Chubby Chandler hits out at Rory McIlroy

Professor Steve Otto, Chief Technology Officer at The R&A, said, “We would like to congratulate Rose on this record-breaking achievement at the highest level of women’s amateur golf, as well as her recent success at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. She has consistently delivered outstanding results for some time now and continues to show why she is so highly regarded in the sport. We look forward to seeing her compete in the AIG Women’s Open once more at Walton Heath this year.”

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor