Golf-Zhang triumphs in playoff to win in pro debut on LPGA Tour

FILE PHOTO: Rose Zhang of the U.S. holds a rose after defeating Jenny Bae of the U.S in a playoff on the 10th hole to win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S., April 1, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake

NEW YORK (Reuters) - American Rose Zhang prevailed in a tense playoff against compatriot Jennifer Kupcho to claim at the Mizuho Americas Open title and become first woman in more than 70 years to win on her professional debut at an LPGA Tour event on Sunday.

The twice collegiate champion turned professional 10 days ago after 141 weeks as the world's top-ranked amateur and sealed the title with a tap-in for par at the second playoff hole at New Jersey's Liberty National Golf Course.