In a stunning display of precision and poise, Linn Grant secured her second LPGA title at The Annika, leaving fans and competitors in awe. But here's where it gets even more impressive: Grant dominated the course with a streak of 52 consecutive bogey-free holes, a feat that only ended on the final hole when victory was already hers. Her closing 5-under 65 sealed a three-shot win over Jennifer Kupcho, solidifying her place as a rising star in women's golf.
This triumph wasn't just about the scorecard—it was personal. Grant, a Swede, became the first from her country to win this tournament since its inception in 2020. And this is the part most people miss: as a young girl, she attended clinics hosted by none other than Annika Sorenstam, the tournament's namesake and a legend in Swedish golf. 'I started doing that with my dad, so thanks for that,' Grant told Sorenstam, reflecting on the full-circle moment of receiving the trophy from her childhood idol.
But here’s the controversial part: While Grant’s performance was undeniably stellar, some critics argue that the course conditions were unusually forgiving this year, potentially inflating scores across the board. Does this take away from her achievement, or does it simply highlight her ability to capitalize on the moment? Let us know in the comments.
Grant’s win wasn’t the only highlight of the tournament. Brooke Matthews stole the show with a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, earning herself a two-year lease on a Lamborghini Huracán. Two holes later, she chipped in for an eagle, capping off a remarkable round that included scores of 1 through 6. Her performance not only tied her for ninth place but also secured her spot in the top 60 of the Race to the CME Globe, qualifying her for the season-ending championship with a $4 million prize on the line. 'It was wild,' Matthews said, still in disbelief. 'I blacked out. I can’t wait to watch it on film because I still can’t really remember it.'
Meanwhile, Nataliya Guseva and Lucy Li also had their moments of glory. Guseva holed out from 109 yards on the final hole for a birdie, vaulting her into the top 60, while Li’s birdie on the last hole moved her up 13 spots to No. 58, securing her place in next week’s championship.
Grant’s victory extends her streak of winning at least one title every year since 2020, a run that began when she was still an amateur. With wins across the LPGA, Ladies European Tour, LET Access Series, Ladies Sunshine Tour, Nordic Golf League, and even the European Tour, her versatility is unmatched. 'My dad always said, 'If you have a win every year, that’s pretty solid,'' Grant shared. 'I guess that’s what it is.'
Defending champion Nelly Korda, a three-time winner at Pelican Golf Club, couldn’t keep pace with Grant’s relentless performance. She closed with a 69, tying for 15th. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As Grant continues to dominate, is she poised to become the next great in women’s golf, or is it too early to crown her? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take!
