This article was written by Rose Zhang to commemorate her 2020 season:
It is an absolute honor to be named 2020 Rolex Junior Player of the Year.
During an incredibly difficult year for the nation and the world, this award wouldn’t be possible without some important people in the game of golf and in my life.
I would like to give a special thank you to Mr. Stephen Hamblin and the AJGA team for not only providing juniors with some of the most prestigious events in junior golf again this year, but for making our health the first priority during this unprecedented time.
The AJGA has done wonders in continuing to provide high-quality tournaments for juniors nationwide. Looking back, the opportunity to compete in the AJGA since I was in eighth grade is such a blessing. Because of these experiences, I’ve competed on the biggest stages and associated with top-ranked junior and amateur players, nationally and internationally.
I’ve been exposed to the greatest people and memories that will forever be ingrained in my heart.
To be in a position to earn Rolex Player of the Year honors again in 2020 was arduous.
After this recognition in 2019, I was inspired to get to reach new heights in my golf game and in my character. I showcased this inspiration almost immediately after receiving the award when I won the Rolex Tournament of Champions to start off 2020. I had a resurgence of confidence in my game, and my mindset was filled with motivation to see how everything would play out during the following year.
Even though the pandemic slowed the world down, I appreciated the time to focus on strengthening my mind and body during quarantine. I gained more physical strength, worked on my swing in the garage, and improved my faith in my religion and myself. Of course, there were many obstacles to working at home, especially within myself.
Staying at home proved to be difficult for everyone around the world. As a student trying to finish the second semester of my junior year, self-discipline was crucial at home especially with all the distractions in schoolwork, procrastination, and so on. This also applied to golf practice, especially with all the golf courses closed during the three month span.
Repeatedly hitting golf balls into a net certainly isn’t my ideal type of practice and it was difficult to keep doing so every day. Nevertheless, it was certainly a time that allowed me to develop in terms of my self-discipline and work ethic, as I completed my college application, finished the school year on a strong note, and enhanced my fitness and golf skills. I am proud of the time that I used in lockdown to make myself stronger.
Although everyone is not in the same room to be recognized tonight, I would like to emphasize the amazing accomplishments each of us have achieved in a historic year.
All our hard work, dedication, and self-discipline also involved so much sacrifice and this moment should be properly celebrated. Congratulations to all the Rolex Junior All-Americans and AJGA Scholastic Junior All-Americans: I am so inspired by all of you.
Thank you also to all the families behind the scenes supporting our dreams. The amount of time and effort you give is incredible. Everything you do for us to have the opportunity to pursue our college dreams and golf goals is unfathomable … my own family included.
My dad and I have been together through thick and thin. I will be forever grateful he has sacrificed his personal goals for mine. My mom has worked beyond hard to help the family financially, especially through the pandemic. As an ACE Grant recipient before all of this, the program has lifted a huge burden off my parents’ shoulders and allowed me to pursue every ambition I’ve had with golf.
I can not express enough appreciation to all the people who donated and raised funds to support our dreams in golf despite tough times financially. Without my parents, the possibility of me being here is zero, and I would especially like to thank all the guidance, love, and sacrifices you give me.
As a devout Christian, I am willing to give all my glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all the great blessings and opportunities that He has given me. He provides me the drive to stay pure at heart and give me all the strength to persevere the toughest moments.
To my brother Bill, thank you for being the greatest brother and friend I can ask for. The dedication, perseverance, and charisma that you have is unfathomable. You and your successes push me to exceed past my limits and I am forever grateful to have you as an idol.
Finally, I would like to thank my swing coach George Pinnell and fitness coach Josh Loyo who have continuously supported me through thick and thin. Thank you for sticking by me, even if I may annoy you when I complain about my golf game and life to you. Through rough times physically and mentally, you have encouraged and stayed strong with me. It is such a blessing to have both of you as my mentors. Both of you are like family and it is so heartwarming to have such dependable and close mentors for guidance in my life.
The exponential progress that I have shown ... little by little each year is apparent as I look back to my eight years of playing this sport. From local Southern California events to the AJGA’s Opens, prestigious Invitationals, and opportunities to play on the LPGA Tour has allowed me to develop the fundamentals and patience to constantly improve. It is utterly shocking how fast time flew by and that I'm now a senior in high school and committed to play for Stanford.
When I think back to what I said in 2019 about looking forward to what 2020 would bring, I never expected to be where I am today.
Even so, I am humbled by all the achievements I have received and earned this year. Everyone who plays this amazing sport knows the tough, grueling aspects of it.
No matter how much hard work goes in ... there will always be times of disappointment, slumps, and frustrations. Mental preparation for these times are close to impossible as a player never knows when it will hit them. I also believe this is also the beauty of golf.
We want to challenge ourselves, grow into our own personalities, and overcome anything with a strong mindset. With this in mind, I would like to continue to grow through the game of golf and in life alongside all of you.
Hopefully, in the upcoming year, we can all start anew - seeking more experiences chase our own paths.
