Rose Zhang Takes a Break From LPGA Tour as a Mistake Made It ‘Very Difficult’ for the Pro

Last year, Rose Zhang won one of the tour’s biggest non-major tournaments: The Founders Cup. It was her second tour victory after she made a flurry of birdies during the final round. She recorded four birdies in her last five holes to edge Madelene Sagstrom. So, what could be better than watching her defend her title, right? Well, she won’t be doing that! And she has a very interesting reason too. After starting the 2025 schedule with a T10 finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, this golfer has shared why she won’t compete at the Founders Cup.

Zhang, apart from her professional career, has committed to her studies at Stanford University. Juggling multiple responsibilities seems to have affected her, and that is what she shared during the press conference at the Lake Nona Golf Country Club, as per Sports Illustrated. She said:

“I think one mistake that I made last year was when I had an offseason and I was at school full time with 20 units. I had a couple hard classes and I lost a lot of sleep. I didn’t really take care of myself. I was trying to practice the same amount I was on tour and also being in school in that sense, which was a lot to load.

“So this year was more to balance out my entire lifestyle. It’s just a lot of work in school, academia, getting assignments out of the way easier, and then I can kind of lay low, practice a little bit when I feel like it.”

However, it was not an easy decision for her to make. Sometimes, she tends to second-guess her decision. Then, there are always those people who ask her why he chose to do both: Studies and golf.

“You know, a lot of people would ask me, but I do think it is really, really good for my character. Really good for just my personal development in general… It’s very difficult and I’m not really sure if there is a right option to just turn pro and just play golf or finish my degree. In my opinion, I think this is a good balance for what I’m striving for. It’s not necessarily the most popular route, but it’s definitely a good route in my eyes.”

The world’s 14th-ranked player is currently still trying to earn her communications degree at Stanford University. After a great amateur golf career, she turned professional in May 2023. In fact, she won in her pro debut at the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Course.

All this means that Zhang will ship this year’s Founders Cup, but fret not! She will have many opportunities after the school year comes to an end.

Here’s the thing: Many top names previously left their education to pursue a professional career in golf, including Charley Hull, Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, Jessica Korda, and others. However, Rose Zhang knows what’s best for her.

The 21-year-old started her graduation in 2021. However, she is only doing winter quarters because of which her graduation will be completed by the spring of 2027. This news has certainly made a big impact on golf fans. However, golf fans need not worry that Zhang’s absence will lead to a mediocre field in the Founders Cup as some of the top names are still competing in the event.

Player to look for at the Founders Cup 2025!

The news of the defending champion not participating is disheartening, but the top names participation roster will compensate for it. At the top of the list is the Bradenton native Nelly Korda. She has already set hopes high with her seven wins in the 2024 season, and now her presence in front of the home crowd will be a great feat for the fans.

Along with her, Jin Young Ko, who has shown an incredible feat at the Tournament of Champions, will also have the attention of the fans. Additionally, Jennifer Kupcho, Angel Yin, Lauren Coughlin, Mi Hyang Lee, and Ayaka Furue are some of the top names with high expectations for the event. Additionally, Lydia Ko will also be a part of it.

Some golfers who didn’t qualify last year will make their season debut at the Founders Cup. This includes Charley Hull, Danielle Kang, Madelene Sagstrom, Stacy Lewis, Georgia Hall, and Gaby Lopez.

The Founders Cup was created by former LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan in order to honor the 13 original founding members of the LPGA Tour. It began in 2011 as a charity event where no purse was offered for players but this year’s $2 million purse will surely be a big deal.

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