Q&A: Linn Grant, Arizona State University Women's Golf
Alex Elias
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 championship. We all want to win, even when we know the odds are small, so in a week like that, I try to look at it from a bigger perspective than just that week. For me, what I gained from it—learning to handle pressure and navigate the highs and lows—is far more important than where 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 start thinking, “Where am I going?” In those moments, I try to get back to the basics. 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.
The Palmer Cup is a rare chance to experience team competition in a sport that is usually individual. What does it mean to 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?
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.
