Grant Conquers The Annika: Second LPGA Title and Swedish Record

Linn Grant conquers The Annika with a dominant performance

Swedish golfer Linn Grant demonstrated absolute control in her game, accumulating 52 consecutive holes without bogeys, an impressive streak that ended on the final hole on Sunday, but without consequences. Grant closed with a card of 65 strokes (-5) to secure a three-stroke victory over Jennifer Kupcho at The Annika. This triumph represents Grant’s second LPGA title, and the second time she has received the trophy from the legendary Swedish golfer and tournament host, Annika Sorenstam. Grant had already won the Scandinavian Mixed in Sweden, where Sorenstam and Henrik Stenson co-hosted.

“You made this field look easy. It’s not easy,” Sorenstam commented to Grant on the 18th hole green.

Annika Sorenstam

Grant finished with a total of 261 strokes (-19) and was close to setting a new tournament record, until a bogey on the final hole broke his streak. This was his first bogey since the opening hole on Friday. The Swedish golfer expressed her satisfaction with the performance and the victory, highlighting the feeling of satisfaction upon completing an exceptional week of play. In addition, she recalled her childhood, when she attended Sorenstam’s clinics in Sweden.

Kupcho, after an initial birdie, briefly tied for the lead, but Grant responded immediately with a birdie on the next hole, and never relinquished the lead again. The Swede maintained the pressure, achieving a crucial birdie to maintain the advantage on the fifth hole. In the ninth hole, Grant consolidated his lead with a birdie, increasing the advantage to three strokes. Kupcho also signed a card of 65 strokes.

“I’m glad she was playing well because I think that really pushed me to play better,” Grant said.

Linn Grant

Gaby López, from Mexico, finished in third place with a round of 65 strokes. Brooke Matthews also had an outstanding performance, achieving a hole-in-one that earned her a two-year contract for a Lamborghini Huracán. In addition, she achieved an eagle, which allowed her to move up in the rankings and secure her place among the top 60 of the Race to the CME Globe. Nataliya Guseva also had a memorable moment, with a birdie from 109 yards on the final hole, securing her place among the top 60. Lucy Li also advanced to the next week, thanks to a birdie on the final hole, which moved her up 13 positions and placed her in 58th place. Grant also maintained his streak of annual victories since 2020. The defending champion, Nelly Korda, couldn’t keep up with Grant and finished in 15th place.