In the history of golf, there are only a limited names who balance their studies and professional careers simultaneously. Usually, professionals either complete their college and then join as a professional or leave college to prioritize their professional journey. But for Rose Zhang, her journey has been rewarding with the balance of both. The golfer who left college in 2023 after her sophomore year continued to prioritize her professional career.

However, it didn’t take her long to realize the missing piece of the puzzle. Zhang went back to continue her communication degree from Stanford University while maintaining exceptional performance. But interestingly, her decision, despite shocking fans, found support from the LPGA veteran who pursued the same things for her career.

Recently, Rose Zhang joined the podcast of the LPGA, where she was asked about her balance between professional golf and studies. She shared about her decision, but interestingly, shared the big influence that helped her pursue it. She said, “For me personally, I made the decision to, like, play professional golf and also go to school, and Michelle [Wie West] was a big influence on that.” The Stanford graduate who retired recently from the LPGA Tour also pursued her career and studies together. West turned professional in 2005; the next year, she chose to join Stanford to pursue her studies. Interestingly, Zhang shared tips on clearing her doubts about it.

Zhang continued to share that, “I talked to her quite a bit. I was like, you know, I really want this to be a thing, like how did you do it, or like you recommend it? And she’s like, 100%. Why are you not doing it like, you know, don’t care about what anyone else says; you can get your degree just as well, and then you can also be on tour at the same time.”

Wie West, who won 5 times on the LPGA Tour, joined in 2009. While Zhang, with just two years as a professional, has bagged two victories already. But with the influence, it became easier to look to the seniors in college and the LPGA to follow the same steps.

Even though she has limited her presence, her performance is still strong despite the dividing priority.

Rose Zhang’s performance while managing college life

The decision to take up studies again resulted in limited attendance on the course. Last year, in 2024, she started off with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, where she finished T7. But her second performance took a two-month break as she returned to her studies until the Fir Hill Seri Pak, where she recorded a T22 finish. Interestingly, similar to her rookie season, she bagged one victory and multiple close finishes.

Well, now with the 2025 season as well, she started off with a T10 finish but stayed away till the Ford Championship. Now, she will be featuring the Mizuho Americas Open, where she bagged her first LPGA victory. Despite the balance, the 21-year-old has managed to win $2.6 million and bag two victories. Not only this, she has 10 top-10 and 16 top-25 finishes.

After concluding the winter semester, Zhang will be back in action and aiming to continue her victory streak on the schedule. But did she take the right step with her studies and professional career? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.