The Event That Changed Golf Forever

The 2022 Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed marked a pivotal moment in the world of golf with both men and women competing in the same event. The historic tournament produced an even more momentous winner as home favourite Linn Grant dominated competition and cruised to an astounding nine-shot victory.

Last year, Grant sent shockwaves around the world with her extraordinary performance and ripples of that triumph are still being felt now, with many touting the 23-year-old as a future World No. 1. The next-best female competitor at last year’s Scandinavian Mixed was Gabriella Cowley who finished a staggering 14 shots back. The Swede’s incredible triumph is a testament to the growing equality and excellence of women’s golf on the global stage.

Grant capped off the tournament at Halmstad Golf Club by carding a final-round 64 to finish on 24 under par. The Arizona State University graduate didn’t drop a shot all weekend, and looked in control from the get-go in becoming the first female to ever win on the DP World Tour. At the time, Grant had been professional for less than a year and was ranked 156th in the Women’s World Golf Rankings prior to the tournament. It was safe to say she was an underdog to win the event which featured star names like Alex Noren and Annika Sörenstam.

Final Day with added family pressure

Heading into the final day, Grant still had work to do despite holding a two-shot lead over Australia’s Jason Scrivener. As we all know in golf, two shots can quickly disappear in a single hole, especially with the added pressure that comes with playing in the final group on a Sunday. But the Swede displayed remarkable composure and shot an impressive bogey-free round to secure title infront of her parents who also were in attendance to support her along with boyfriend Pontus Samuelsson as her caddie.

Sörenstam praise for Grant

The accomplishment wasn’t lost in Sweden either as massive crowds gathered at Halmstad on Sunday to witness history being made, with some of the greatest names to ever play the game also in attendance. Sörenstam, regarded by many as the best ever female golfer, was stunned by Grant’s achievement, remarking “what a performance”.

The 52-year-old had played alongside Grant for the first two days and watched greenside at the 18th as her compatriot secured the title with complete ease in the end. The triumph also marked her third win in six starts on the Ladies European Tour, and Sörenstam praised the significance of men and women sharing the same stage in an equal contest. “This shows that we can play against each other in a fair competition,” added the 72-time LPGA Tour winner. “I hope people see the quality of women’s golf.”

Fuelling Golf’s Evolution

With each passing year, the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed will no doubt continue to surpass itself, drawing unprecedented interest and fuelling golf’s evolution with this unique mixed gender format. Last year’s tournament has gone down in history as a ground-breaking moment that’s signalled a new era of golf where men and women can stand on equal footing on the grandest stage. Grant’s scintillating performance was a true spectacle, a remarkable tour de force that defied expectations and broke records. Her victory was a defining moment in the game, and a testimony to the sport’s growing prominence on the world stage.