THE ANNIKA DRIVEN BY GAINBRIDGE AT PELICAN

November 17, 2024

Rose Zhang

Pelican Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. All right, joined now by Rose Zhang after her final round here at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Pretty clean scorecard obviously, except for 12. What went into today?

ROSE ZHANG: Yeah, today I felt like my game was really solid. Probably the most solid out of the four days, apart from day one.

You know, honestly, 12 was just a little bit unlucky. I hit it on the green and it just rolled back into the water, so I honestly don't have any regrets for that hole either.

Today just in general I was very solid and felt the adrenaline. It's good to be in contention again.

Q. Top 5 right now; obviously going to be a top 10 finish when it's all said and done. How good does it feel to get a top 10 finish heading into CME next week?

ROSE ZHANG: It feels great just because I feel like it's been a little bit of a rollercoaster for me in terms of my game and how I'm playing.

But it gives me a lot of confidence to know that I can hang around and I could put myself in positions that give me opportunity.

So honestly, next week I'm just going to do the same thing preparation-wise and we'll see how everything goes.

Q. Here at the ANNIKA, two time ANNIKA winner in college, how much does she mean to you and to the game and to play in -- earn her collegiate award and now to play in her professional event, what does that mean to you full circle?

ROSE ZHANG: Yeah, she has done so much for the game. Probably one the most influential people in the women's game. In college she's always been a supporter, and in addition to junior golf, I played her ANNIKA Invitational when I was playing AJGA, and now to play an LPGA event that's hosted by her as well, it's a huge honor.

Annika is just a great name. She is able to really be the influence, and it kind of brings inspiration for every single one of us players.

Q. And then just last one: Obviously one tournament left here -- two if you count Grant Thornton. One more before your sophomore season is over here on Tour. How different do you feel this year compared to this time last year either in your game, mentally, professionally, anything?

ROSE ZHANG: I feel like I'm now more understanding of what Tour life is like, and I'm much more mature in that sense.

I can't say that my game is exactly the same as last year and I can't say that last year's game was better or vice versa.

But I will say that I think my brain has slowly begun to understand really everything, all the ins and outs of how to manage Tour life.

But now it's kind of just how to dial that in a little bit more. But I feel like I just have a lot more experience and it makes me feel really grateful to be on this platform.