Embracing New Horizons: Angela “Mama” Zhang’s Journey with the U.S. National Junior Team in the United Kingdom

As the sun rose over Manchester, England, it marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey for Angela Zhang and three of her teammates, who represented Team USA and the U.S. National Junior Team in the 95th staging of R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship at Alwoodley Golf Club in Alwoodley – about a four-hour drive north of London. While the event itself was significant, the experiences that were shared on and off the course proved to be equally impactful for Zhang, a Seattle, Wash. native. 

Zhang, a seasoned junior golfer who qualified for the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, was embarking on her third international competition, having previously played the Amundi Evian Juniors Cup in Evian, France. This one stood out as it was her first traveling without her parents internationally. 

“It was cool to spend time with the team and get to know everyone better,” Zhang said. "Both on and off the course.”

After arriving in Manchester, the team traveled to Leeds to prepare for the tournament, which consists of two rounds of stroke play that determine a 64-player match play bracket. The team was able to enjoy time off the course and explore Leeds during the evening. 

“It was a cute, little town,” Zhang said of Leeds. “There were a lot of shops and restaurants and things to do, so it was a great way for me and my teammates to bond.”

One of the common things that was constantly mentioned was the sense of camaraderie within the team. National Junior Team members Emerie Schartz, Shyla Brown and Mia Hammond also competed and traveled with Zhang, along with Head Coach Chris Zambri and Coach Tiffany Joh.  

With golf typically an individual sport, one thing Zhang discovered were the benefits of being at a tournament with a support system that was created amongst her teammates and coaches, and how that could have a positive impact on her mental game.

“It was nice to spend time with my teammates and talk about golf, which you don’t get to do when you’re alone [at events],” Zhang said. “It felt more relaxed in that team environment, and you’re playing for something bigger than yourself which was a huge honor.” 

Zhang’s performance in the tournament began with some rocky moments during stroke play, but she hit her stride during match play, making it to the Round of 16.

“There were definitely a lot of positives to take from the experience as competing against internation players in a match play format was different from what we’re used to,” she said. “It was a great learning opportunity.” 

Coach Joh expressed pride in the team’s growth throughout the trip. She believes everything from navigating customs to playing links golf in unpredictable weather will help the team members in the near and long term.

“For some girls, this was their first time traveling internationally,” Joh said. “Getting to play in an event and being exposed to course conditions are going to be so beneficial down the road.” 

One thing off the course that Joh noticed that also was recognized amongst the group was a character-building moment for Zhang: her nurturing nature. Whether it was making sure everyone had utensils or checking in on her teammates’ performances on the course, Zhang always seemed to have others in the forefront of her mind.

“We started calling her ‘Mama Zhang’ because she always takes care of the people around her,” Joh said. “I think going on these trips are cool because you get an inside look at their character and personalities, so just seeing those dynamics unfold was a fun part of the trip for me.” 

After the tournament, the teammates took a short train ride to York, where they participated in a Harry Potter-themed tour. Zhang and the team found the experience fascinating as it intertwined the magic of the film with the rich history of the town. Forgoing traditional meals like a Sunday Roast or English Breakfast, the team opted for familiar comforts like Five Guys and Nando’s.

“It was fun, and we got to learn more about York’s history with some Harry Potter trivia,” Zhang said. “That along with going to Nando’s was probably my favorite part of the trip.” 

As Zhang reflected on her experiences, she recognized the immense value of being part of the National Junior Team and the opportunities that have come with it in its inaugural year. 

“It’s such an honor to represent my country alongside the best juniors in the world,” she said. “The support, access to technology and the opportunity to play in these international events all push us to be better. If given the chance, I’d love to compete here again.” 

Zhang will finish up her golf season with a few more AJGA events this season, but her journey in the United Kingdom was not just about competition, it was also about growth, camaraderie and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a team. 

As she continues to navigate her golfing career, the lessons learned – and friendships forged – will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping her nurturing path.