Lindblad’s Leap: Swedish Starlet Claims First LPGA Title in LA
Rookie Ingrid Lindblad wins hearts and silverware in a composed, charismatic breakthrough at El Caballero
Seoul, Korea - Ingrid Lindblad, the 25-year-old Swedish rookie, produced a performance as crisp as the California sun to capture her maiden LPGA Tour title at the JM Eagle LA Championship. With hundreds lining the fairways of El Caballero Country Club, Lindblad turned a nervy three-way tie into a personal coronation with a composed final-round 68 that sealed a one-stroke win.
Her opening birdie set the tone, and though she flirted with trouble—wayward drives and waste areas—Lindblad stayed ice-cool. Every setback was met with a measured response. A double-bogey flirtation became a scrambling par; a dropped shot answered with a birdie. “You should never not expect it,” she said, grinning, a rookie speaking like a seasoned closer.
By day’s end, Lindblad joined fellow Swede and golfing legend Annika Sorenstam as a winner at El Cab, 21-under par the number, three starts into her LPGA career. “She’s done a lot for us in women’s golf… she’s a big inspiration,” Lindblad said, clearly moved to share history with her childhood hero.
Behind her, Japan’s Akie Iwai closed in, drawing level late on before faltering at the 72nd hole, her approach sailing long and her comeback putt not quite true. Iwai’s bogey handed Lindblad the title—and a moment she’ll never forget.
Others thrilled in the low-scoring frenzy. Germany’s Esther Henseleit fired a stunning 64 to leap into a share of third with Miyu Yamashita and Lauren Coughlin. Nasa Hataoka, miles adrift at sunrise, birdied five straight to post 64 and finish tied sixth. Even Nelly Korda, the world’s headline act, had her moments—but her even-par finale left her well adrift at T16.
Off the course, the tournament made as much impact as the players. JM Eagle and Plastpro pledged $6.5 million to local wildfire relief efforts, while defending champion Hannah Green chipped in a heartfelt $10,500 via birdies and eagles.
But this was Lindblad’s stage. Unfazed, undaunted, unforgettable. A new Swedish sunrise for the LPGA Tour.