There is much anticipation around the 2024 season of the women’s circuit, and with an exponential increase in the prize pool, the new season is already being deemed a record-breaking season. With such a massive influx of money, many things are bound to change on the LPGA Tour, which might also include the perspective of the golfers as well.

The season kicks off on the Floridian greens with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, where Rose Zhang shared her thoughts on the new financial boost and whether or not it affects her outlook on the game or not.

Rose Zhang’s Dilemma: Chasing Trophies or LPGA’s Record $120 Million?

In 2024, the LPGA Tour is making history with a whopping $120 million in prize money across 35 events. But for Rose Zhang, does she care more about winning money or trophies? Rose Zhang is a rising star of the LPGA Tour, making history in her rookie year by becoming the first golfer in 72 years to win an LPGA event in her pro debut.

During a press conference at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, the 20-year-old was asked about how the player “has spent years chasing trophies” but with the introduction of a “new money element,” has she changed how she approaches the game or “how you (sic) view just the game itself?”

Rose Zhang responded with a straightforward “not necessarily”. She highlighted that the “monetary” factor is a “big bonus” for “all players”, contributing to a more sustainable “career” for everyone. The 1x LPGA Tour winner emphasized her genuine love for the sport and stated that players pursue golf because “they just love the sport.” She further added to the topic and said, “Even when the LPGA didn’t have a lot of money in events”.

She underlined the historical growth of the LPGA and noted that the “growing monetary value” aligns with the overall expansion of the league. Rose concluded with a clear mindset and expressed that despite the growth in “monetary value”, the essence of the game remains the same for them. Being “more comfortable” without “having to worry a lot about the money” is a positive aspect for the players.

Rose Zhang’s Goal-Setting Approach for 2024

Rose Zhang’s approach to the 2024 season diverges from traditional result-oriented expectations. She stated, “I’m definitely not kind of — I’m not a result-driven person. I’m not someone who wants a certain ranking by the end of the year or I want to win this event by the end of the year.” Embracing a process-driven mindset, Zhang outlines her focus on mini-goals, aiming for consistency in areas such as putting, chipping, and overall performance.

Read more: After a Historic First Year, How Much Did Rose Zhang Earn on the LPGA Tour in 2023?

Her philosophy is clear “I don’t necessarily — I generally don’t have a number in mind on what I need to do. It’s more so I play by ear.” This adaptability underscores Zhang’s commitment to continual improvement, emphasizing a dynamic, goal-driven journey in both academics and golf. Despite the impressive achievements of her rookie season, marked by five top-10 finishes, Zhang remains steadfast in her commitment to staying grounded in her values.

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