Michael Kim Heaps Praise on Rose Zhang After Strong Showing at Grant Thornton Invitational
PGA Tour veteran Michael Kim has offered glowing insights into Rose Zhang’s exceptional golf game following their partnership at the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational. The mixed-team event, held December 12-14 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, saw the duo finish tied for fifth at 23-under par, earning them a share of $202,500 from the $4 million purse.
Kim, playing in the event for the first time, shared his reflections shortly after the tournament concluded. He described the experience as thoroughly enjoyable, emphasizing Zhang’s remarkable consistency and demeanor on the course.
“Partnered with Rose Zhang this week and had an awesome time,” Kim wrote in his post-event thoughts. “She hardly misses a shot and a super cool person to be a teammate with. She hasn’t played much this year but that didn’t show and she played some great golf.”
The praise highlights Zhang’s precision and composure, qualities that stood out despite her limited competitive appearances in 2025. The 22-year-old LPGA star, known for her dominant amateur career and professional debut win in 2023, demonstrated no signs of rust in the high-profile mixed format.
The pair kicked off strongly in the opening scramble round on Friday, carding a bogey-free 14-under 58 to sit among the early contenders. They maintained solid form through the alternate-shot and final best-ball rounds, ultimately tying for fifth alongside Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners. Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak claimed the title at 28-under, with three teams sharing second at 25-under.
This marked Zhang’s second Grant Thornton appearance—she previously tied for ninth in the inaugural 2023 event with Sahith Theegala—and Kim’s debut. Their partnership bridged a fun college rivalry, with Zhang hailing from Stanford and Kim from Cal Berkeley, yet it proved harmonious on the course.
Kim’s comments underscore Zhang’s reputation as one of golf’s brightest young talents, capable of elite performance even with reduced play. As the offseason begins for both tours, his endorsement adds to the growing anticipation around her potential in the coming years.
