Q&A with Linn Grant - Arizona State University Women's Golf

Alex Elias

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Before joining Arizona State, you were one of just five amateurs in the field at the 2018 U.S. Open at Shoal Creek Golf Club. Looking back on that week, what stands out to you the most?

Especially the U.S. Open, that's a special tournament for everyone, I kind of have to look at it from a bigger perspective than just that tournament. As competitive as most golfers are, we all want to win even if we know the odds are very small, but just knowing what I gained from that week and what I've learned from that tournament is more important than the place I ended up with.

Having now won four tournaments in a row, how do you handle adversity when it arises?

Even during a good round, you can have three bad holes in a row, where you're like 'Where am I going?' I would just tell myself that I need to get back to the basics, like the basics of how do I get back to a good, decent score. For me, that would be to just go back to my routine, and just try to hit the fairways so when I do that, I can leave that behind and just focus on the next shot. Instead of being aggressive and going for the pins because that's often what happens, you're getting stressed because you're playing poorly, but you end up in worse positions. I don't necessarily hit to the safe spots, but I hit so I know the worst thing that can happen is a par.


The Palmer Cup is a unique opportunity to experience team competition in a sport like golf. How important is it for you to represent Europe — and Sweden — on such a stage?

Palmer Cup is just such a fun week. When we played in Europe, we all played for different countries and against each other, then coming here we all play for different schools so for once to actually play together was a new but great experience. I try to represent Sweden all the time, but to be able to represent Europe and know you are one of the best players from your continent is really special. 

Looking ahead, what’s one goal you're striving to achieve in the near future?

I try to not think about how much I want to earn or how many wins I want to win, but Solheim Cup would be a dream come to true. To be able to play on the LPGA and have that as my job, and be successful is my goal. To win a major is one of my big goals.