Sebastian Soderberg, a Swedish golfer, headed into the final round of the DP World Tour’s Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed with a commanding eight-shot lead after solid rounds of 63, 66, and 66. It seemed like he was on his way to a second victory on the European circuit, with many wondering not if he would win, but by how many shots.
However, things took a turn for the worse early on Sunday when Soderberg started with a birdie but then went on to make two bogeys, playing the front nine in one over par. As his lead began to shrink, fellow Swede Linn Grant made a remarkable charge, closing the gap with a bogey-free seven-under 65 to sit just one shot behind Soderberg heading into the final hole.
Needing a bogey from Soderberg to force a playoff, Grant prepared herself for the possibility as Soderberg found himself in a tricky situation on the 18th hole. Unfortunately for Soderberg, his par putt came up short, leading to a shocking double bogey that cost him the victory. Grant, on the other hand, produced a masterful third shot on the 18th to seal her second victory in the event in three years.
The win earned Grant $337,000 in prize money, the same amount Soderberg would have received had he held on for the victory. Both men and women in the tournament compete for the same prize money and Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup points. Grant’s victory, her sixth on the Ladies European Tour, puts her in a strong position to earn a spot on the European Solheim Cup team later in the year.
Grant expressed mixed emotions after her victory, feeling both joy at her win and sympathy for Soderberg’s loss. The turn of events was surprising for both players, with Grant acknowledging the impact of winning in her hometown of Helsingborg. As Soderberg reflected on his disappointing finish, Grant celebrated her impressive come-from-behind victory, capping off an eventful weekend at Vasatorps Golfklubb.
