The former SDSU Aztec won the California State Open, claiming the first professional title of his career.
Former San Diego State Male Golfer Zihao Jin won the California State Open last Thursday in Murrieta, Calif. at Bear Creek Golf Club. The recent SDSU graduate shot a 6-under 66 on the final day to move up the standings and claim his first professional title.
Heading into the final day of competition, Jin was two shots off the lead. He then birdied four on the back nine on Thursday, finishing six under the day and winning the title by two shots. Jin finished his final lap with nine birdies and just one bogey on the day. His score of 66 on the final day was the lowest score in the final round, while his opening round of 7 under 65 was tied for the second-lowest single-day score of the tournament.
Jin shot 65-73-69-66 over the four days to claim the title in 273 shots. He finished the tournament with the most pars in the field with 66, and tied for third in birdies made with 22 during the tournament. He finished at -15 to win the tournament, while Michael Block and Ryan Ellerbrock tied for second at -13.
While at San Diego State, Jin was named an all-Mountain West selection for the first time in his career during his senior season in 2021-22. He led the team with an average of 71.85 strokes over 27 rounds and was the team’s top finisher (or tied for first place) in four of his nine tournaments played during the 2021 season- 22.
During his Aztec career, Jin was named a Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar (2019-20), a three-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21), and a been selected four times by Mountain West All-Academic (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21).
