A native of China, Andy Zhang is the youngest golf player to ever qualify for the United States Open at age 14. He was added to the 156-man field at the 2012 United States Open to replace Paul Casey, who withdrew with a shoulder problem after Brandt Snedeker scratched because of an injured rib.

Zhang began to play golf at 6 with his father at a two-story driving range in Beijing, China. He was soon discovered by a South Korean coach, An Qi Huan, who happened to see Zhang's first swings. He told the boy's father that Zhang had talent in golf and offered to coach him.

At again 10, Zhang travelled to the United States to participate in two junior tournaments. He currently lives in Florida.