Earlier, in 2024, the retirement news of renowned LPGA star Lexi Thompson had created a big hole in the golf community. However, fans supported the golfer’s decision as she wanted to concentrate more on her personal life and improve her mental health. Even if the golf community can be quite unforgiving at times, in matters as sensitive as this, they do not fail to show their support. However, a piece of recent news just broke out which again sent the golf world into a frenzy. After starting the 2025 schedule with a T10 finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, this golfer has shared the news that fans did not see coming.
The 21-year-old, Rose Zhang, who achieved an impressive feat in 2024 has shared a disheartening update about her 2025 participation following her academic preferences. Zhang, apart from her professional career, has committed to her studies at Stanford University. Now her juggling with multiple things 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.” Zhang shared that the amount of work that she has put in has left her with an unbalanced lifestyle.
May 31, 2024; Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA; Rose Zhang (USA) on the 18th green during the second round of the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Sharing about the 2025 schedule, she expressed, “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.”
Now the news has left fans worried about her presence, along with many questions in mind. However, she has answered some in the press conference itself. Even though many top names have left their education to pursue a professional career in golf, including Charley Hull, Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, Jessica Korda, and others. While for fans, the same question arose for Zhang as well. However, she has made it clear with her plans ahead.
She shared, “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 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 7 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.
After the disappointing news, the player’s roster is definitely a great one that compensates for the event for the fans. Now with Rose Zhang not on the list, who is your pick for the 2025 edition? Share your pick with us in the comments below.
The post Rose Zhang Takes a Break From LPGA Tour as a Mistake Made It ‘Very Difficult’ for the Pro appeared first on EssentiallySports.
