Juggling between college and the course is not something every golfer can do, but the two-time LPGA winner makes it seem like a piece of cake. But is it? Rose Zhang is pursuing a full-load degree in communications at Stanford in Palo Alto, Calif, all while excelling in her golf career. Sounds unbelievable, right? The golfer recently revealed how it is taking a toll on her.

In an interview with Dailymail.com, Zhang talked about her graduation plans. It seems she has taken a relaxed approach to her studies, targeting a graduation date in 2026 or 2027. She’s comfortable taking breaks and switching between her coursework and classroom work, but as everyone knows, the pressure always finds a way to sneak in.

“It’s been pretty difficult, I’m taking a little bit of a break – a leave of absence – because there’s a lot happening in the golf world,” she said. Without a doubt, it can get overwhelming in the industry, especially for those like Zhang who are fighting for a trophy and a degree at the same time.

Despite her golf career taking off, Rose Zhang is struggling to keep up with her studies at Stanford. “But I am taking a full in-person course load when I’m back in Stanford in the winters, which takes its toll, I’m probably sleeping a total of four hours,” she continued. However, regardless of the challenge, the golf sensation Zhang is ready to compete for Team USA at Le Golf National for the Paris Olympics, alongside Nelly Korda and Lillia Vu. “It’s the greatest honor to represent your country,” said Zhang.

Well, even before the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship in March 2024, Zhang shared how she kept switching between Palos Verdes and Stanford. “I think a lot of the stress has come on to me, especially this week. It’s finals week, everyone is dying back at Stanford as well. All my friends are just going through it,” she said. While she was very excited about the upcoming tournament, the school stressed her out “a little bit more than golf.” Her “lack of sleep” and “constant grinding in school” had her tested in ways even Gold never did.

Zhang further mentioned that her few events will be a clear indication of her mental and physical state, as well as her performance ability. She felt that she took the time to identify areas where she was stagnant and worked on building her team and herself around those insights.

Having two LPGA trophies to her name and being the first woman to win the individual national title twice in NCAA women’s golf history, Zhang’s career is quite a success. However, her most special achievement is fans calling her the second Tiger Woods of the golf world. It has to be a joke, right? Well, it’s not!

Rose Zhang: The second Tiger Woods of the golf world

Rose Zhang has delivered some of the best performances in her amateur career. For instance, she proved to be the best golfer in Stanford history by winning eight times in one season, tying a record with Tiger Woods. Even more impressive is that she won 12 times in her short career at Stanford, more than anyone else, including Tiger Woods!

The talk of the town, Rose Zhang turned professional in 2023 and became the first woman since Beverly Hanson in 1951 to win her first professional tournament. The Mizuho Americas Open proved to be a life-changing event for her. Even the GOAT celebrated her success. After Zhang’s first win on the LPGA Tour, Tiger Woods tweeted, “Incredible few weeks for Rose Zhang, defends her NCAA title and then wins in her Pro debut.” Woods praised Zhang for winning two consecutive NCAA Women’s Golf Championship Individual titles in 2022 and 2023. It seems like even if Woods has a new challenger in the golf industry, he is not backing away!

The big question now is: can Rose Zhang rise to the occasion and ace the ultimate challenge at the Paris Olympics? We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be an exciting ride!