“`html
Linn Grant Seizes Lead at The Annika with Stellar Saturday Performance
Table of Contents
A remarkable display of precision and composure has propelled Linn Grant to the top of the leaderboard at The Annika, as the Swedish golfer aims to continue her impressive streak of winning at least one tournament worldwide for a sixth consecutive year.
BELLEAIR, Fla. – Linn Grant carded a 5-under 65 on Saturday at Pelican Golf Club, showcasing a remarkable putting performance and consistent ball-striking to establish a one-stroke lead heading into the final round. Grant’s performance positions her favorably as she seeks to secure her second LPGA victory and extend a remarkable winning streak.
Grant’s Impeccable Round
Grant’s round was highlighted by five birdies,including a pair of crucial 15-foot putts. Demonstrating extraordinary accuracy, she found the green on all but one hole and hit 16 of 18 fairways. A particularly impressive up-and-down from a greenside bunker on the par-5 14th secured her final birdie of the day.
“I hit a lot of greens. I think that’s been my secret this week,” Grant stated. “Just really being very confident with my iron game, feeling like I can really go after pins. I’m having a lot of fun out there.”
At 14-under 196 Grant holds a narrow advantage. Remarkably, she has navigated 35 consecutive holes without a bogey, a testament to her focused and disciplined play. The 26-year-old, a former Arizona State Sun devil, boasts a decorated amateur and professional career, including victories on the Nordic Golf league, Sunshine Ladies tour, Ladies European Tour, and LET Access Series.
Pro tip: – Focus on your iron game. Grant credits her confidence with her irons for her success. She feels she can go after pins. This strategy has helped her find the green on nearly every hole.
Kupcho and Guseva Challenge for the Title
Jennifer Kupcho remains within striking distance, sitting just one shot behind Grant at 13-under. The American played a flawless,bogey-free round on Saturday in the Tampa Bay area.Though, Kupcho expressed some frustration with the pace of play.
Reader question: – Why was the pace of play slow? Kupcho attributed the slower pace to the course playing approximately 100 yards shorter than usual. She also noted that leaders often wait on every shot.
“I think the setup was still fine. They do a really good job setting up this golf course every year,” Kupcho commented. “It’s a little frustrating when you’re the leaders or in the back of the pack and having to wait on every shot.” She attributed the slower pace to the course playing approximately 100 yards shorter than usual.
Nataliya Guseva of russia surged into contention with a impressive 63, fueled by seven birdies over her final 10 holes. She shares second place with Evian Championship winner Grace Kim, who carded a 68.
Korda’s Struggles Continue
Defending champion Nelly Korda faces an uphill battle after a mixed performance on Saturday. Despite a late surge with three birdies in four holes, Korda’s round was marred by early bogeys and a disappointing finish. A missed 4-foot par putt on the 18th resulted in a 68, leaving her six shots off the lead.
“Today was kind of like the first day where nothing was really kind of going but then found a few maybe on the last few holes and then ended the round poorly,” Korda admitted. Despite a strong 63 in the second round, Korda is yet to secure a victory in 2025, following a stellar 2024 season that saw her claim seven titles.
With only The Annika and the CME Group Tour Championship remaining on the LPGA schedule, grant is keenly aware of the importance of this final stretch. The final round promises a thrilling conclusion as
