Rose Zhang, the top-ranked women’s amateur golfer in the world, has signed with Excel Sports Management for name, image, and likeness representation.
Last year, Excel introduced its women’s golf division and has signed six women’s pros since. Zhang will join the roster of Sierra Brooks, Bronte Law, Kristen Gillman, Andrea Lee, Albane Valenzuela, and Jillian Hollis. Kevin Hopkins, VP at Excel, is the current head of the division. Excel also represents Zhang’s Stanford teammate, Rachel Heck, as well as Stanford men’s golfer Michael Thorbjornsen for NIL activities.
Zhang won her first three events as a freshman at Stanford this season. Considered to be one of college golf’s most promising recruits in decades, the question surrounding Rose is how long she’ll compete collegiately. Before NIL, the real money was in professional sports. Now that college athletes can earn substantial compensation, we’re likely to see more and more athletes remain in college to complete their education while simultaneously earning their fair share.
Zhang has yet to articulate specifically on her future plans to remain an amateur or compete as a pro. Regardless, the star golfer has already inked deals with Ping, Stifel, Whistle Sports, and Six Star Pro Nutrition.