STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – SUNSHINE ZHANG

Longtime USGTF member Lawrence Sykkmon has a proven track record, and one of his students, Sunshine Burberry Zhang, is making waves. She was kind enough to answer some questions, and here are her answers:

Q. How did you get started in golf, and at what age did you begin playing?

A. I started playing golf when I was about 5 or 6 years old. It began at a nearby driving range, and everything just clicked for me from that point on, even though no one else in my family played golf. My heart and mind felt like it was something I was meant to do.

Q. What have been some of your biggest struggles in golf, and how have you worked through them?

A. One of my biggest struggles would be maintaining that confidence after a tough round. Golf can be very mental, and early on, I would get discouraged easily. Over time, I learned how to block out unnecessary distractions, rely on my routines, talk with my personal coach, and accept that it’s okay to make mistakes. Staying consistent, especially in my short game practices, has helped me work through those moments and come back stronger.

Q. What are some of your biggest accomplishments in golf so far?

A. So far, my biggest accomplishment would be competing as a student-athlete at California Baptist University. I’ve also had some personal milestones like shooting my lowest tournament round, placing fourth in a collegiate tournament, and helping my team place well at collegiate events. Besides scores, I am proud of the discipline and consistency I’ve built over the years, balancing academics with competitive golf.

Q. Do you have any goals or aspirations in golf for the future?

A. Yes, I do. My goal is to play on the LPGA Tour and compete at the highest level. I aspire to become one of the top golfers in the world, and what drives me is the love for the game and the discipline it has taught me – pushing me to improve every day, both on and off the course.

Q. Do you have any social media handles you’d like to share with us?

A. Yes, you can follow me on Instagram: snnny_. I use it to connect with others and share updates from my golf journey.