Rose Zhang’s proven experience helps her go nuclear, contends for gold at 2024 Olympics

Zhang used her course knowledge to surge into contention for gold after her impressive round 3 score at the 2024 Olympics.

Team USA’s Rose Zhang shot eight spots up the leaderboard in Round 3 of the women’s golf competition. She signed for a 5-under 67 to move to a 7-under total in the 2024 Olympics.

The former Stanford golfer is two shots behind the leaders Morgane Metraux of Switzerland and Lydia Ko of New Zealand at 9-under overall.

Zhang went out in 33 strokes after making three birdies on the front nine. She made a massive eagle on 14 but followed that up with a double-bogey on the par-4 15th. That double did not matter as she also eagled the par-5 18th to close her round on a high note.

Zhang is one of the few players with experience playing Le Golf National. The 21-year-old won the World Amateur Team Championship title in 2022.

She used that knowledge to navigate the course. Each day, she is getting more comfortable with the track, and it is showing. Zhang knows this golf course is one you take day by day.

“I think, especially on this golf course, you can’t put yourself too ahead of what’s in front of you,” Zhang said. “Especially with how condition played today. Played pretty difficult. You have to make sure you hit your fairways and greens, and if opportunity allows you, try to make some putts. That’s all you can do.”

The two-time LPGA winner is happy with her position on the leaderboard after 54 holes. She is within reach of a medal and will not change her mindset for the final day.

“I don’t think there needs to be a change, and I think personally — what I can do and control is the most important,” she said. “I’m here to enjoy the grind, and I know I’m going to have to grind tomorrow, but you just have to be in the moment.”

Zhang will play alongside Metraux and Ko in the final group on Saturday. They tee off at 6:39 a.m. ET as she looks to eliminate that two-stroke victory and win gold.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.