The “next big thing” in professional golf is breakout amateur and collegiate phenom Rose Zhang, who makes her debut today on the LPGA TOUR. Boasting an incredible playing resume to date, Zhang brings a mountain of hype with her to the professional ranks along with questions on whether her success will continue.

We may have questions and high anticipation. She’s already proven she can rise to the occasion.

Zhang’s amateur career is already legendary. She became the world’s No. 1-ranked amateur in September 2020 — some 33 months ago — and never fell out of that spot. She became the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, 2021 U.S. Junior Girls’ champion, 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion, 12 wins in 22 starts at Stanford. and is the first woman in NCAA history to win individual Div. I national championships in consecutive seasons.

She is now represented by golf super-agent Mark Steinberg of Excel Sports, the very same who represents names like Justin Thomas, Justin Rose, and Tiger Woods. Her sponsorship list is equally as impressive, boasting brands like Callaway Golf, TopGolf, adidas, Delta, and others. While these facts are more superficial in nature (and a necessity at the pro level), they exemplify and validate the potential of golf’s newest superstar.

While Zhang’s on-course play will undoubtedly have its ups and downs, so too will public reaction and the ever-present societal judgement of observers.

We have a tendency to build stars up just to tear them down. Such is the time in which we live. Our’s is a society that looks for flaws any chance we get, if nothing else to appease the “Well Actually” social media crowd. At some point in our collective fandom, pointing out inconsistencies or failures has become more important than simply admiring what is unfolding before us.

Zhang presents another opportunity for us to celebrate greatness at its very beginning. Far too often are professional athletes labeled “the GOAT” in recent years as fans and media alike want to be “the first to say it.” But in Zhang’s case, and this is a rarity, she actually has a resume and momentum to allow us to tiptoe into those waters.

But we shouldn’t. Not yet. It would be unfair to Zhang. It would be unfair for anyone.

There is still much to be proven at the pro level for golf’s next Big Thing, even when all signs point to Rose Zhang being able to do just that. There is no doubt she is beyond ready for the challenge and the spotlight.

The best thing for all of us is to meet her halfway and provide her the space to wow us all. If we can do that, there’s little doubt that this will be a hell of a ride.