Succumbing to Mystery Illness, Rose Zhang Shockingly Exits Mizuho Americas Open

Rose Zhang‘s first career title defense ended too early. The two-time LPGA Tour winner had to pull out after the first three holes at the Mizuho Americas Open. The Stanford product shared on her Instagram story that she “spent the last 12 hours with really bad intestinal pain.” Zhang was coming off a victory at the Cognizant Founders Cup a week prior. The 20-year-old was 2-over through the 12th after starting on the back nine.

Mizuho was her fourth consecutive start since last month’s Chevron Championship, where she missed the cut. The WD is sure to sting the youngster more than any other tournament. Last year, Zhang turned heads at Liberty National, becoming the first LPGA Pro since 1951 to win in her pro debut. 

That kicked off a stellar run, including seven top-ten finishes so far and a Solheim Cup appearance. “The Mizuho Americas Open will always hold a special place in my heart as my first-ever LPGA victory,” said Zhang this week. In her story, she wrote, “I am really disappointed I had to withdraw from the Mizuho Americas Open today. This tournament holds a special place in my heart, having had such an amazing week last year when I captured my first LPGA Tour win here at Liberty National.”

Notably, in January, Zhang revealed she had been dealing with a mysterious stomach issue. “My body has not been processing things as well, so I’m working with a nutritionist to help me see how I react to foods. I would eat vegetables and be bloated, which is not necessarily too normal,” the 20-year-old said.

The Stanford star has been juggling between academics and career aspirations. The Standford product’s college finals overlapped with the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship in March. She managed. Her Tuesday press conference was cut short because she had exams to attend after a 45-minute drive to Irvine. The 20-year-old, who ended Nelly Korda’s historic streak of back-to-back wins at Upper Montclair Country Club, admitted that multitasking has caused some serious trouble in her life.

Rose Zhang felt burned out last week too 

Last Friday, Zhang carded 9-under-63 at the Cognizant Founders Cup on his way to a second victory. But when quizzed on her physical state, the 20-year-old gave up. Zhang admitted that lack of sleep and overworking have affected her body and mind. The current world no. 6 admitted, “Even though I feel strongly to finish both and do it in a really high-achieving way, sometimes it’s a little difficult to be able to balance your timing with your rest and be able to focus on both ends.” 

Zhang conceded that it hasn’t been easy, and at times she feels puzzled. “The lack of sleep and the constant grinding in school, it definitely hasn’t been easy. I would argue that it’s tested me in ways that golf couldn’t test me.” Last week’s victory catapulted Rose Zhang 16 spots in the Rolex World Ranking. The youngster will tee off at the U.S. Women’s Open on May 30. Last year, she tied for the 9th spot in LPGA’s second major.