Linn Grant has once again etched her name into the annals of golf history by winning the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed tournament for the second time in three years.
This victory marks a groundbreaking moment as Grant becomes the first woman to win a DP World Tour event twice.
Born in Helsingborg, on the southwest coast of Sweden, Grant’s journey to professional golf was significantly influenced by her grandfather, James Grant, a Scottish professional golfer who emigrated to Sweden.
Turning professional in 2021, Linn quickly made a name for herself by becoming the first woman to win the co-sanctioned Joburg Ladies Open in March 2022 at the Modderfontein Golf Club, east of Johannesburg.
Grant’s first historic win at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed came in 2022, making her the first woman to clinch a victory in a DP World Tour event.
The tournament, played since 1991, was rebranded in 2020 to include both male and female golfers, with co-hosting duties shared by Swedish golfing legends Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam.
Reflecting on her second triumph at the Scandinavian Mixed, Grant shared her excitement and pride: “I’m just proud of myself and really happy. I just hope people recognise women’s golf with more sponsors, and this pumps up the women’s game a little bit more”.
Her win was celebrated not just for its historical significance but also for the inspiration it provided to aspiring female golfers worldwide.
“I am excited that the Joburg brand gets to be mentioned everywhere Linn goes. This is what we mean when we say that by hosting such tournaments, we position Joburg globally as a sports destination of choice. I was watching the tournament, and even the commentators kept referring to her as the former Joburg Ladies Open champion,” says a delighted Bongi Mokaba, the City of Johannesburg’s Events Director and tournament promoter.
Following her Joburg Ladies Open victory in 2022, Grant continued to demonstrate her prowess on the golf course, securing a one-stroke victory over compatriot Lisa Pettersson at the 2022 Skaftö Open to lift her fourth Ladies European Tour title of the year. This win was part of an impressive run that saw her accumulate more than seven titles, including three on the Sunshine Ladies Tour.
In 2023, Grant’s winning streak continued with victories at the Jabra Ladies Open and the Dana Open, marking her first triumph on the LPGA Tour. These achievements propelled her into the top 20 of the Women’s World Golf Rankings and earned her a coveted spot on Europe’s Solheim Cup team for the first time.
As the two-time champion of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed, Grant’s success has not only rewritten history but also shone a spotlight on women’s golf, highlighting the growing talent and competitiveness in the sport, says Mokaba.
Her achievements have inspired many and are likely to attract more sponsors and support for women’s golf, contributing to its growth and recognition.
“Linn Grant’s remarkable journey from Helsingborg to the top tiers of international golf is a story of talent, determination, and breaking barriers. With her continued success, she is poised to become a leading figure in golf, inspiring future generations of golfers to dream big and aim high,” Mokaba says.
INFO SUPPLIED.
