The win means she takes home the equivalent of 5.4 million kronor in prize money – and that in just her third tournament on the pro tour.
The final round was a nail-biter where Akie Iwai from Japan was hot on the heels of the 25-year-old Swede. The two were tied on the same number of strokes on the final lap, but in the end Lindblad could take home the victory on –4 and a total of –21, one stroke better than the Japanese player's –3 and –20.
On hole 13, the fresh Swedish golf pro had the luck that is sometimes needed. Lindblad's shot hit a tree, but the ball bounced out onto the fairway. In this way, Lindblad managed to stay on par and maintain her two-stroke lead.
I don't know the cameraman up there, but he said something like: "It was a little squirrel up there that was nice to you and knocked the ball onto the fairway", says the Swede to the tournament reporter after the victory.
In Sörenstam's Footsteps
Lindblad turned pro last summer after a successful amateur career and via continued successes on the Epson Tour – where she among other things won a tournament – qualified for the LPGA tour.
Annika Sörenstam won the LPGA tour on the El Caballero course in 2003 and 2004. This means that Sweden has technically now won three times on the course. During a press conference, Lindblad was asked how it feels to be following in Sörenstam's footsteps.
What she has done and did in the tournament was incredible, to say the least.
Following in her footsteps is quite big, says Lindblad.
Less Pressure
She can now skip qualifying for the US Open. Something that, according to her, feels very good – and gives more flexibility in the schedule.
You usually say that during your rookie season you try to play everything. See to it that you see all the courses. Now I won't feel as much pressure, says she.
Frida Kinhult finished in a tie for 28th place after going around on a total of –12, while Madelene Sagström landed on a total of –10 and a tie for 37th place.
Next up for Lindblad is the first major tournament of the year, the Chevron Championship in the state of Texas.
In total, eight Swedish women are qualified for play next week – including last year's runner-up Maja Stark and former champion Pernilla Lindberg (2018).
