Linn Grant conquers The Annika with impressive dominance
Swedish golfer Linn Grant demonstrated absolute control in her game, accumulating a streak of 52 consecutive holes without bogeys, until she finally conceded on the final hole of the tournament. Grant finished her participation with a score 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 title on the LPGA, and she again received the trophy from the hands of the legendary Swedish golfer and tournament host, Annika Sorenstam. Grant had already celebrated a victory at 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 the tournament with an impressive total of 19 under par, 261 strokes. His performance was close to setting a new tournament record, but a bogey on the final hole prevented him from achieving it. This was Grant’s first bogey since the opening hole on Friday.
Grant expressed his satisfaction with the result, highlighting the importance of culminating an exceptional week of play with a victory. The Swedish golfer, who attended Sorenstam’s clinics as a child, recalled the influence of the golf legend on her development.“You made this field look easy. It’s not easy,” said tournament host Annika Sorenstam, on the right, to Linn Grant on the 18th hole green on Sunday.
Kupcho birdied the first hole, temporarily tying for the lead, but Grant responded with a birdie on the next hole and maintained the lead. The Swedish golfer consolidated her lead on the 9th hole, where Kupcho made her second bogey of the first round, while Grant birdied to extend the lead to three strokes. No other competitor came close to Grant for the rest of the tournament.
Gaby López, from Mexico, finished in third place after registering four birdies in the last six holes, culminating with a score card of 65 strokes.
Brooke Matthews also had a successful weekend, achieving a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, which earned her a two-year lease on a Lamborghini Huracán. In addition, Matthews achieved an eagle on the 14th hole. These achievements, added to her card of 65 strokes, allowed her to move up to the top 60 of the Race to the CME Globe, which qualifies her for the CME Group Tour Championship next week, where the winner will take home $4 million.
Nataliya Guseva also had a standout moment, achieving a birdie on the final hole from 109 yards, securing a 68 that placed her among the top 60.
Lucy Li also advanced to next week in Naples. Her birdie on the final hole gave her a 66 and propelled her 13 places to 58th place.
Grant, who has maintained an annual winning streak since 2020, including titles on the LPGA, Ladies European Tour and other competitions, continues to demonstrate her talent in the world of golf. The Swedish golfer values consistency in her career, following her father’s advice.
Defending champion Nelly Korda finished in 15th place with a score of 69 strokes.
