Rose Zhang Triumphs at Cognizant Founders Cup in Historic LPGA Showdown

Nelly Korda’s Historic LPGA Win Streak Ends, but Rising Star Rose Zhang Reigns Supreme

The golfing world witnessed a captivating change at the top as Nelly Korda’s impressive LPGA win streak came to an end, with 20-year-old phenom Rose Zhang emerging victorious at the Cognizant Founders Cup.

Starting the day one shot behind the leader, Zhang showcased her exceptional talent, carding a bogey-free 66 to claim her second LPGA title. The Stanford student-athlete overcame a three-stroke deficit at the turn, rallying with four birdies in her final five holes to seal the win by two strokes over Madelene Sagstrom.

“I don’t think Beth and Pat get enough recognition for what they’ve done for the game, for the LPGA. It’s honestly an honor to be able to play in front of them, let alone win,” she said.

Despite a win probability of just 9% standing on the 14th hole, the rising star refused to be deterred, displaying the grit and determination that have become hallmarks of her game. This dramatic triumph comes just before the anniversary of Zhang’s maiden LPGA victory at the Mizuho Americas Open, where she made an emphatic debut on the tour.

Korda, the world No. 1, had been on an incredible run, matching the feats of legends Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam by winning five tournaments in as many starts. However, her pursuit of breaking the record was cut short, as she finished the Founders Cup in a tie for seventh place.

The tournament, dedicated to the pioneers of the LPGA, Beth Daniel and Pat Bradley, held special significance for Zhang, who expressed her deep gratitude for their contributions to the game.

With Zhang’s momentum building and Korda’s dominance temporarily halted, the LPGA season promises to be a thrilling one, as these two rising stars battle it out for the top spot.

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