(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
As National Golf Month swings into action for August, East West Bank Chairman and CEO Dominic Ng speaks to golf’s rising star Rose Zhang. In this exclusive course-side chat, East West Bank brand ambassador Rose opens up about her love of the game and where she finds inspiration.
Dominic Ng: When did you start playing golf? What was your first reaction to it, and what do you like the most about it?
Rose Zhang: I started playing golf at the age of 9 with my father. I have loved the game from the start, and I always loved hitting golf balls as an active child. I would go on the range every single afternoon with my dad. I love the competitive aspect of the sport, but I also love that I am in control of the outcome when I am on the golf course. There is always the challenge of improving!
Dominic Ng: Given your achievements, there must be a ton of businesses that want to sponsor you. Why did you choose to collaborate with us?
Rose Zhang: Growing up in Southern California, I have known East West Bank for my entire life. The bank is a pillar of the community, and I was so honored that there was an interest in supporting me along my journey as a golfer. I am very proud of my heritage and the business that you do both here and in Asia. I think that’s a great synergy for our partnership.
Dominic Ng: You are a very talented athlete, but training can be time-consuming and tough. Have you thought about giving up, especially when facing setbacks?
Rose Zhang: I have never thought about giving up, but it is certainly a challenge to get through tough times. I am lucky to have a great support system around me to help push me to be the best person and player I can be, on and off the golf course.
Dominic Ng: What do you think is the secret to your success?
Rose Zhang: Hard work, determination, and as I mentioned above, the support system that I have in place around me. My family, friends, coaches, trainers, and everyone who has helped along the way.
Dominic Ng: Who was your role model? What kind of influence did he/she have on you?
Rose Zhang: Stephen Curry is one of my biggest role models. How he represents himself on and off the golf course is the perfect example of what a high-profile athlete should be and how they should act. I take inspiration from him and have been lucky to meet him a few times as well!
Dominic Ng: What’s your technical style? What do you think is your strong suit, and what do you think needs improvement?
Rose Zhang: I would say that the strongest part of my game is my consistency across all elements—off the tee, iron game, and short game. I am always trying to improve my short game, in particular my putting. A constant work in progress!
Dominic Ng: What was the most memorable tournament for you? Why was it so special?
Rose Zhang: I have been lucky to be a part of so many special tournaments over the years. Some of the most memorable would be the US Women’s Amateur and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, but one of my all-time favorite moments was last year winning the NCAA Championship as both a team and an individual. The individual title was amazing, of course, but it meant so much more to win that as a team – we went through so much together to get to that point, and it’s a memory that I will cherish forever.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dominic Ng: Does being an Asian American impact your athletic career? What advice would you give to other Asian American youth who are also interested in sports?
Rose Zhang: It definitely impacts my athletic career. I am very comfortable with my identity and was lucky to grow up in a diverse community in Southern California. It has helped shape who I am. I would encourage other Asian American young athletes to just find your place where you are comfortable and be confident in your background. The sky is the limit!
