Linn Grant conquers The Annika with a dominant performance
Swedish golfer Linn Grant demonstrated absolute control in her game, accumulating 52 consecutive holes without committing a bogey. This impressive streak came to an end on the last hole of the tournament, but by then the victory was already secured. Grant closed her participation with a card of 65 strokes under par, which gave her a three-stroke lead over Jennifer Kupcho and the title at The Annika.
This triumph represents Grant’s second LPGA title, and for the second time she received the trophy from the hands of 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 told him on the 18th hole.
Annika Sorenstam
Grant finished the tournament with a total of 19 under par, with possibilities of setting a new record until a bogey on the final hole broke his streak. This was his first bogey since the initial hole on Friday.
Grant expressed his satisfaction with his performance and the culmination of his game, feeling that he had achieved his goal for the week. In addition, he recalled his childhood, when he attended Sorenstam’s clinics in Sweden and was inspired by watching her practice.“You made this field look easy. It’s not easy,” said Annika Sorenstam, on the right, to Linn Grant on the 18th hole on Sunday.
Kupcho, for her part, achieved a birdie on the first hole, temporarily tying for the lead. However, Grant responded with a birdie on the next hole, retaking the lead and maintaining it throughout the rest of the tournament. Grant consolidated her position on the par 3 of the ninth hole, where Kupcho made her second bogey of the first round, while Grant achieved a birdie, extending the lead to three strokes.
Kupcho also closed with a round of 65 strokes. Grant highlighted the motivation that Kupcho’s competition gave her, and acknowledged that both players did an excellent job.
Gaby López, from Mexico, finished in third place after achieving birdies on four of the last six holes, with a round of 65.
Brooke Matthews also had a memorable weekend. She achieved a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, winning a two-year lease for a Lamborghini Huracán. Furthermore, two holes later, she achieved an eagle, which allowed her to tie for ninth place. This secured her a place among the top 60 in the Race to the CME Globe, qualifying her for next week’s CME Group Tour Championship, where the winner will receive 4 million dollars.
Nataliya Guseva also had her stellar moment, getting a birdie on the last hole with a shot from 109 yards. This gave her a round of 68, securing her place among the top 60.
Lucy Li also advanced to next week’s tournament. Her birdie on the final hole gave her a round of 66, moving up 13 places to number 58.
Grant, who has maintained an annual winning streak since 2020, both in the amateur and professional fields, expressed his gratitude for his father’s advice, who always taught him the importance of achieving consistent victories.
The defending champion, Nelly Korda, couldn’t keep up with Grant and finished in 15th place.
