Q&A: 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. Women's Open at Shoal Creek Golf Club. Looking back on that week, what stands out to you the most?

The U.S. Open is such a special tournament for everyone. I try to see it from a bigger perspective than just that week. As competitive as most golfers are, we all want to win, even knowing the odds are small. For me, what I gained from that week—learning to handle pressure and navigate the highs and lows—is far more important than the place I finished.

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 and feel like, “Where am I going?” I tell myself to get back to the basics—focus on how to return to a solid score. For me, that means sticking to my routine and hitting fairways. When I do that, I can leave mistakes behind and focus on the next shot. Instead of being overly aggressive and going for pins when I’m stressed, I play so the worst outcome is a Par. It’s not about playing “safe,” but about understanding the risk and managing it.

The Palmer Cup is a rare chance to experience team competition in a sport that is usually individual. How important is it for you to represent Europe—and Sweden—on such a stage?

The Palmer Cup is a really fun week. In Europe, we normally play for different countries and against each other, while here we play for different schools. So playing together as a team was a new and exciting experience. I try to represent Sweden all the time, but to represent Europe and know you’re one of the best players on your continent is really special.

Looking ahead, what’s one goal you’re striving to achieve in the near future?
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I try not to focus on earnings or the number of wins. Playing in the Solheim Cup would be a dream come true—to compete on the LPGA Tour, make that my job, and be successful. Winning a major is also one of my big goals.