Rose Zhang returns to prominence, is she ready to challenge Korda?

Nelly Korda was dominating the headlines. She had won five tournaments in a row and had become the first golfer since Tiger Woods to attend the Met Gala a week ago. She seemed to be ready to earn her sixth consecutive victory at the Cognizant Founders Cup. That was before Rose Zhang dominated the tournament returning to her past glory.

Zhang shot a final round 66 to complete the tournament at 24-under par. It was a new 72-hole tournament record for the course. It was Zhang's second LPGA Tour victory since turning pro last season. She won the Mizuho Americas Open in her first tournament as a pro last year. She became the first player to accomplish the feat since 1951.

Rose Zhang had an up-and-down season before the victory this past weekend.

She had two top-10 finishes at both the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and the T-Mobile Match Play. However, she was cut from the Chevron Championship and Ford Championship, both tournaments that Korda had won.

In 2023, in addition to her victory, Zhang had four top-10 finishes, including a tie for 3rd at the Maybank Championship. Many put her as the odds-on favorite to be the No.1 player this season. That was before Korda went on her tear.

After her victory, Zhang commented on her win and the position she is in stating: " I had to work my way up. Coming out here, clearly everyone's such incredible players with incredible resumes. Every person in the field basically has a win under their belt. I think being able to even come out with a win, coming out with two, I’m just very blessed."

This weekend Zhang chose to withdraw from the Mizuho Americas Open after only three holes in the first round. It was announced she withdrew due to an illness. She and Korda are scheduled to compete at the US Women's Open at the end of May. Look for these two to have a rivalry this year and beyond.