Grant conquers Annika: LPGA double and Swedish golf exhibition

Linn Grant conquers The Annika with a dominant performance

Swedish golfer Linn Grant demonstrated absolute control in her game, maintaining an impressive streak of 52 consecutive holes without bogeys, until the last hole of the tournament, where victory was already assured. Grant finished with a round of 65 strokes under par, securing a victory with a three-stroke lead 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, an event co-organized by Sorenstam and Henrik Stenson.

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

Annika Sorenstam

For Grant, the feeling must have been one of absolute control, as he was never under much pressure. With a total of 19 under par, 261 strokes, he was close to setting a new tournament record, until a bogey on the final hole broke his streak of impeccable play. Grant expressed his satisfaction with the performance, highlighting the importance of finishing an exceptional week of play with the victory. The Swedish golfer recalled her childhood, when she attended Sorenstam’s clinics in Sweden and watched the legend practice with her wedges. A moment that inspired her and now unites her with her idol.

Kupcho, for her part, achieved a birdie on the first hole, temporarily tying for the lead. However, Grant quickly responded with a birdie on the next hole, retaking the lead and maintaining it for the rest of the tournament. The Swedish golfer consolidated her advantage on the 9th hole, and no one could get close to her. Kupcho also finished with a round of 65 strokes. Gaby López, from Mexico, finished strong, achieving birdies in four of the last six holes to finish in third place. Brooke Matthews also had an outstanding performance, achieving a hole-in-one that earned her a two-year contract for a Lamborghini Huracán. Matthews also achieved an eagle, which propelled her to tie for ninth place, securing her place among the top 60 of the Race to the CME Globe, qualifying for next week’s CME Group Tour Championship, where the winner will take home $4 million. Nataliya Guseva also had her stellar moment, with a birdie on the last hole that secured her a place among the top 60. Lucy Li also qualified for next week’s tournament, thanks to a birdie on the last hole. Grant, for his part, maintained his streak of annual victories, which dates back to 2020, when he was still an amateur. The defending champion, Nelly Korda, couldn’t keep up with Grant and finished in 15th place.