Rose Zhang, the 20-year-old Stanford product, has finally delivered on the immense expectations surrounding her since her professional debut last year. On Sunday, she captured the Cognizant Founders Cup, her first LPGA Tour victory, with a stunning birdie run on the final five holes.
Zhang’s triumph ended Nelly Korda’s record-tying winning streak of five consecutive events. Korda, who had struggled in the final two rounds, finished tied for seventh.
Zhang’s victory was a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite a shaky start where she almost fell on her rear end, she managed to make par and maintain her composure.
As the round progressed, Zhang and Madelene Sagstrom engaged in a stroke-play duel, with the rest of the field trailing behind. Sagstrom held a three-shot lead after 13 holes, but Zhang’s birdies on 14, 15, 17, and 18 propelled her to victory.
Sagstrom, who had been seeking her first victory since 2020, was left heartbroken by the outcome. However, she acknowledged Zhang’s exceptional play and expressed her satisfaction with her own performance.
Zhang’s victory is a significant milestone in her young career. It reignited her passion for the game and proved that she has the talent and determination to compete at the highest level.
