Hold on to your hats, golf fans! Linn Grant just etched her name in the history books, and the victory is sweeter than you might think. Sweden’s rising star conquered the LPGA Annika at Pelican, snagging the title with a stellar three-stroke lead over the formidable Jennifer Kupcho. But here’s where it gets personal: this wasn’t just any tournament; it was named after Swedish golf legend Annika Sorenstam, making Grant’s triumph a truly special, full-circle moment.
Grant’s impressive performance at the Belleair, Florida, resort saw her card a final-round 65, finishing the 72 holes at an impressive 19-under 261. This victory not only marks her as the first Swede to win the Annika-named event but also signifies a powerful statement about the current landscape of women’s golf. The emotion was palpable as Grant herself described the win as “Very satisfying,” emphasizing the significance of winning a tournament honoring Sorenstam. It really makes you wonder, what does this win mean for the future of Swedish golf?
While Grant secured her only previous LPGA title in 2023 at Toledo, she boasts an impressive six victories on the Ladies European Tour. And this is the part most people miss: her consistent success across different tours highlights her adaptability and skill, proving she’s not just a one-hit wonder. Grant’s victory also marks her as the 29th different winner on the LPGA Tour this season and the fourth Swede to achieve such a feat, truly demonstrating the global reach and diverse talent within the sport.
The final round was a nail-biter. Grant started with a slim one-stroke lead over Kupcho, and the pressure was on. She quickly extended that lead with birdies on the second, fifth, seventh (a par-five), and ninth holes, making the turn with a comfortable three-stroke advantage. Kupcho, however, wasn’t going down without a fight, carding four birdies of her own, but also two bogeys, on the front nine. “Especially on the first nine, we were going back and forth,” Grant admitted, acknowledging the fierce competition. “I’m glad she was playing well because that really pushed me to play better.”
But here’s a controversial point: did Kupcho’s early bogeys actually hand Grant the advantage? It’s a valid question considering how tight the competition was!
Grant continued her steady play on the back nine, birdying the par-five 14th. Kupcho responded with a birdie of her own on the par-three 15th, closing the gap to three strokes with three holes to play. Grant, however, sealed the deal with a birdie on the par-four 17th, giving her a comfortable enough cushion to bogey the 18th (her first bogey since the opening hole on Friday!) and still secure the victory with a relaxed tap-in.
Behind the leaders, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez finished third with a total of 265 after shooting a final-round 65. England’s Charley Hull fired an impressive 63 to tie for fourth place at 266 with Americans Auston Kim and Lucy Li.
And let’s not forget Brooke Matthews, who had the shot of a lifetime! She aced the 140-yard par-three 12th hole with a nine-iron, marking the first hole-in-one of her life. “That was wild,” she exclaimed. “I just saw it bounce and disappear. I still can’t believe it. I blacked out.” She finished with a 65 and a total of 268.
So, what do you think about Grant’s victory? Was it a display of sheer skill, or did luck play a role? What are your thoughts on the impact of Sorenstam’s legacy on Swedish golf? Share your opinions in the comments below!