Rose Zhang sunk four birdies in the final five holes to move ahead of Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom and claim a two-shot victory at the Cognizant Founder Cup.
The 20-year-old entered the final round at the Upper Montclair County Club behind leader Sagstrom who was aiming to seal her first victory on the LPGA Tour since the 2020 Gainbridge LPGA at Bob Rio. That lead was extended when Sagstrom birdied the 12th to go three shots clear.
But the American produced a sublime late charge which included birdies on 15, 16, and 17 to card a six-under 66 to finish the tournament on 24 under and win her second career LPGA title.
“I’m still shaking right now, but I never gave up,” said Zhang.
“I always knew that I had something in me to just grind it out and enjoy the time against an extremely solid player.”
Sagstrom showed her emotions after just missing out on victory.
“It was just pure nerves,” she said. “I played unbelievable golf this week, so I have to look at the positives. It sucks, and it hurts a bit. But my time will come.”
Australian rookie Gabriela Ruffels finished in third on 9 under while Nelly Korda, who had the chance to become the first player in LPGA Tour history to win six consecutive starts finished tied-seventh on seven under after carding a one-over 73 in the final round.
What is the next event?
The next event on the LPGA Tour schedule is the Mizuho Americas Open taking place between 16-19 May at the Liberty National Golf Course.