In Swede Linn Grant, champion of the first women’s edition of this tournament, The Annika, played this past weekend. Grant closed with an impressive 5-under 65 to lead the championship finish to the final round. His 19-under 261 total earned him a three-shot victory over Jennifer Kupcho. This win is a huge victory for Grant. With this win, he’s become the first Swedish golfer to find victory at this tournament, which started in 2020.
In her last outing at The Annika, Grant shot 69 in her final round to finish T-15. This time around, she showed incredible range and poise from start to finish in the competition. She added to her record-setting run with a 52-hole bogey-free streak. Unfortunately for her, her dream run ended on that last hole when she slipped to her first bogey since the opening hole on Friday. While this was certainly a temporary setback, it wasn’t enough to rattle her confidence. She continued to dominate the tournament and cruised comfortably to a five-stroke victory.
Grant’s signature and decisive play came with 8:45 left. She made an important 15-foot birdie putt to maintain her one-shot lead after five holes. She seized control of the par-3 ninth hole and really closed the door. This strategic maneuver further proved her jaw-dropping, tiger-senshi talent for executing under duress.
“You made this course look easy. It’s not easy.” – Annika Sorenstam
The Swedish golfer has won a trophy from tournament host Annika Sorenstam for the second time. This dazzling performance earned her a spot in the CME Group Tour Championship taking place next week as well. After her victorious win, Grant told reporters that she was pleased with her victory win, recalling how just being consistent is key in her career.
“My dad is a man of good words. When he looked at someone else’s career he always said, ‘If you have a win every year that’s pretty solid.’ I guess that’s what it is.” – Linn Grant
Throughout the tournament, Grant maintained a steady pace and was rarely under stress, allowing her to focus on executing her game plan effectively. She admitted that having as tough of a competition as Kupcho pushed her to improve her own game.
“I’m glad she was playing well because I think that really pushed me to play better. And overall, I just had the thought of whoever wins is going to have a really good job.” – Linn Grant
Grant’s victory at The Annika is a continued reflection of her rising position in the LPGA Tour. It highlights her promise for even bigger achievements in the future. Her earlier victory at the Scandinavian Mixed in Sweden only highlights her vivacity and commitment in a young sport.
Even as she makes final preparations for the season-ending championship, Grant’s confidence radiates.
“There are weeks where everyone feels like their game is really good and there could potentially be a win. It’s just really nice to like see it go all the way and to really walk off 18 and be able to pat yourself on the shoulder and feel like I actually did it this week.” – Linn Grant
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