Linn Grant reaches semifinals at LPGA Bank of Hope Match Play in Vegas

Linn Grant made the most of her first start in the U.S. as an LPGA member. The former Arizona State player has competed around the world – quite successfully – since turning professional nearly two years ago, but could not compete in the U.S. due to COVID-19 restrictions that require international visitors to be fully vaccinated against the virus.

With the national public health emergency expiring earlier this month, Grant was permitted to compete in the Ladies European Tour event in West Palm Beach, Florida, last week. This weekend, she advanced to the semifinals of the Bank of Hope Match-Play at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. Grant ultimately fell to Pajaree Anannarukarn on Sunday morning. The Thai player will face Japan’s Ayaka Furue in the final Sunday afternoon.

Grant, who is currently No. 22 in the world, missed the first major of the year in Texas as well as the chance to represent Sweden at the Hanwha International Crown.

In her LPGA rookie year last season, Grant spent much of 2022 competing around the world on the LET. She won four times on the LET last year, including the history-making Scandinavian Mixed, in which she beat the men on the DP World Tour. She also topped the season-long Race to Costa del Sol.

In six LPGA starts last season held outside the U.S., Grant carded four top-eight finishes and a T-19 at the AIG Women’s British Open.

Earlier this month, she won the Jabra Ladies Open in Evian, France. Grant will soon return home to Sweden to defend her title at the Scandinavian Mixed.

When Grant qualified for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship last November, which boasted a record-setting $2 million first-place prize and $7 million purse, but still wasn’t in the field, she provided a statement to Golfweek that read in part:

“I understand some people want to know why I am not playing in the U.S. I respect that. The simple reason is that I am not vaccinated. Regarding why, I ask the same respect back. It is something I want to keep internally with my family and team.”

Earlier this week in Las Vegas, Grant was asked during a pre-tournament new conference what it felt like to miss so many events as a rookie due to vaccine restrictions.

“I think actually looking back at it now, I really appreciate not coming here earlier,” she said. “I think I wouldn’t have had the experience I’ve had with the LET and all the confidence that I’ve gained through the that year.

“I think that was a great year for me to kind…