The golf world is in stitches. And no, this has nothing to do with the PGA Tour or the LIV Golf. But Rose Zhang — the World No. 17 LPGA golfer — and her decisions about her golf career. Zhang, the two-time NCAA champion and possibly the greatest amateur women’s golfer ever, left college in 2023 after her sophomore year. She wanted to join the professional side of the sport, but soon realized she wanted to finish her communications degree as well. The result? She spent the last couple of years taking classes, all the while competing on the LPGA Tour. However, her decision hasn’t been very smooth.

Last year, she played in her first Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions after winning the 2024 Mizuho Americas Open. Then, she returned to her studies and remained there until the FIR HILLS SERI PAK. The 21-year-old was taking classes at Stanford University for the winter quarter. She played her season-opener at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January and finished T10. But she continued with her study. The result was that she decided to skip her title defense at the Founders Cup in January. Then, she dipped again, didn’t play at the LPGA’s Asian swing, and will now be seen at the Ford Championship.

However, she is just as serious about her studies. Zhang’s interest in continuing her studies also stemmed from her wanting to be identified as being more than just a golfer, as she said in 2023 just a few weeks after turning pro. Add to that the fear of burnout and you are closer to understanding Zhang. Back in 2023, she said, “A lot of people were a bit shaky about it … but I felt like it was necessary for me to take that extra step, for me to be my own independent person.” 

Being such an accomplished golfer, the sports world cannot help but feel confused about the situation. Recently, on Monday, Q Info took to X to talk about this particular situation. “This continues to be one of the wildest things to me. All the credit to Rose for getting her degree, but to me, truly bananas that one of the best players in the world, in the middle of her prime, continues to put her clubs away for months to get a degree.”

But that does not mean she does not associate with the sport during her study time. Last month, despite being on a break from golf, she was seen at the Stanford Golf course to support junior golfers at the American Jr. Golf Association. Talking about her presence and he junior career, Asterisk Talley said: “Rose is such an inspiration to all of us.” But if Zhang continues with her studies, we will likely hear more concerns from other golf personalities.

So, what was she keeping her focus on? Communications and political classes, fun classes like a sleep and dreams class, and a Hebrew and Jewish literature short stories class. Highly accomplished and keen to learn, no doubt. But it also kept her away from the clubs. The result is that now she’s No. 50 in the Race to the CME standings with The Chevron Championship just a month away. However, Zhang does not share any regrets. Armed with her sleeping schedule, Zhang hopes that it will help her this season. But her fans are divided. So, let’s take a look at a few reactions!

The golf world does not know what to make of the Rose Zhang situation

One of the fans pointed out how this could have been helpful for her. They said: “It must be a therapeutic rest from the grind. And she’s better positioned than most young golfers with endorsement income. She was also adidas first NIL deal as I recall.” And, yes, indeed that is true. In Rose Zhang’s words, “I decided to use this winter quarter to just be a student. It was more so the objective of bringing balance back into my life.” No doubt, she had time to relax and be among her peers. Additionally, she was the first athlete to sign a Name, Image, Likeness agreement with Adidas before she signed a multi-year contract with the brand.

One of the golf enthusiasts said, “I would trade my degree for her golf game in a heart beat.” I mean, who wouldn’t? She had back-to-back NCAA titles and held the World Women’s Amateur No.1 ranking for a whopping 141 consecutive years! Additionally, her win at the Mizuho Americas Open made it the first professional debut win on the LPGA since 1951.

The next fan mentioned another female golfer. “Same thing with Rachel Heck, her previous Stanford teammate, choosing to not go professional so she can stay active in the Air Force, kinda wild.” Rachel Heck was one of the promising LPGA golfers. The five-time AJGA All-American winner was the youngest at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open. However, having realized she was missing something, she announced her intentions to join Air Force ROTC and became a Lieutenant.

One of the fans said, “Learning can wait. Golf purses can’t.” Ok, this doesn’t need an explanation! If Zhang continues with her form, she may as well bag huge prizes in the future. Lastly, a fan congratulated her with “Awesome congratulations.” Well, congratulations indeed! What do you say?