As young stars in the golf world, Nelly Korda and Rose Zhang have a lot in common. Both have achieved great success at a young age, with Korda winning her first LPGA Tour title shortly after turning 20 and Zhang following suit a few years later. But there is something else that connects these two players: a shared struggle with their health.
At the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Korda and Zhang faced off on the course, each battling their own personal health issues. While they may have appeared to be at the top of their game, the truth is that both players were dealing with hidden struggles that most people were not aware of.
For Korda, the struggle began in 2022 when she was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disorder. This condition affects her joints, causing pain and stiffness that can make it difficult to play golf at the highest level. Despite this challenge, Korda has continued to persevere and has become one of the top players on the LPGA Tour. But behind the scenes, she has been dealing with flare-ups and the constant management of her condition.
Similarly, Zhang has been facing her own health battle since she was 17 years old. The young golfer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires constant monitoring and management of blood sugar levels. While this may not seem like a major hindrance for a professional athlete, it can certainly take a toll on performance and overall well-being.
Despite these obstacles, both Korda and Zhang have found ways to excel on the golf course. In fact, their struggles have only made them stronger and more determined to succeed. In a recent interview, Korda opened up about her health ordeal, stating, “It’s definitely not easy, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and take care of myself. And I think that has made me a better golfer and a better person.”
Zhang echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Dealing with diabetes has taught me a lot about discipline and self-care. It’s a constant challenge, but it has also made me more resilient and determined to succeed.”
Not only have these young golfers found ways to manage their health while competing at the highest level, but they have also used their platform to raise awareness and inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. Korda has become an advocate for autoimmune disorders, using her voice to educate and break down stigmas surrounding chronic illnesses. Zhang has also become a role model for young athletes with diabetes, showing that the condition does not have to hold you back from achieving your dreams.
Their bravery in sharing their struggles has sparked a conversation within the golf community about the importance of mental and physical health for athletes. Korda and Zhang have shown that being open and honest about one’s personal challenges does not make someone weak, rather it showcases strength and resilience.
As these two golfers continue their journeys on the course, it is clear that they have much more in common than just their age and first LPGA Tour title. They are both fierce competitors, determined to overcome any obstacle in their path. And their courage in facing their health challenges head-on serves as an inspiration to others to never give up on their dreams, no matter what challenges they may face.
So, the next time you see Nelly Korda or Rose Zhang on the golf course, remember that there is so much more to them than just their swings and scores. They are true champions, not just in golf, but in life, and we should all applaud their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.
