Date of Birth: May 24, 2003
Hometown: Irvine, California
Nationality: American
Sport: Golf
Height: 5’7”
Balancing professional golf and a personal life isn’t easy, but Rose Zhang makes it look that way. We spoke with the adidas golfer about her start with golf, lifelong tie with adidas, and the faith that guides her through her journey.
adidas: How old were you when you started golfing, and what or who inspired you to begin?
Zhang: I started playing golf when I was 9 years old... I was inspired to start playing golf by my father, who introduced me to the sport and has been a huge influence on my development as a golfer. Before golf, I played tennis and a variety of other sports.
adidas: What was the moment that made you choose golf professionally?
Zhang: I remember being on the range with my dad and getting better through my training, seeing that momentum and seeing all the girls on Tour playing at the highest level, really inspired me to grow into a better player and compete with them. Watching legends really inspired me to keep working hard towards my goals in the sport.
adidas: When did you sign with adidas, and do you have a favorite adidas product?
Zhang: I signed with adidas in 2022. I became the first student-athlete to sign an NIL deal with adidas and I love the brand, their clothing, and everything they stand for globally. [I really like] the adidas Forum Bold.
adidas: What is a struggle you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are today?
Zhang: I think learning to manage the pressure that everyone puts on you when you perform at a high level in college and carrying that into turning professional — learning how to stay present, focused, and not get distracted by trying to balance everything together. Balancing a rigorous school schedule at [my university] helped me with that balance, too.
adidas: What does mental strength mean to you in your sport? How do you stay disciplined, focused, and overall content through the ups and downs of sports?
Zhang: Mental strength is a key factor in performance in my golf game; I stay focused by reading, meditating, and connecting with my teammates and friends at school during my own time. I also have a very strong faith which is a big part of my life and staying focused and present.
adidas: How do you amp yourself up before you compete? And do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Zhang: I try to stay present with my caddie and focus on the course so I’ll meet with him, eat a healthy breakfast, and sometimes I’ll listen to the Bible before a round or do breath work, which keeps my mind and body calm before I go out to compete against the best players in the world.
adidas: What does it mean to you to be partnered with adidas?
Zhang: Adidas was a brand I wore well before even going to college, so when I made the decision to turn pro, I felt adidas was a natural fit for me. I’ve always appreciated how I have options to dress the way I would like to while still feeling athletic and getting the performance benefits that come from everything they make. I’ve worn adidas in my biggest moments on the course and I’m proud to be an adidas athlete.
ADIDAS ATHLETE ROSE ZHANG IS IN GOOD COMPANY
Want to learn more about our adidas golf athletes? You can follow Rose here or check out our other articles on adidas stars like Linn Grant, Ludvig Åberg, and Collin Morikawa. In addition, read up on our adidas golf content to improve your game, like this deep dive on different types of golf shoes. Whether you’re on the range or spending a full day at the course, we got you covered.