Linnea Strom Inspiring Win at Shoprite Classic

Linnea Strom achieved a historic feat by recording the lowest final round in LPGA Tour history, catapulting from last place to first to secure victory at the Shoprite Classic in New Jersey. At the age of 27, Strom began the day tied for 52nd position and faced seemingly insurmountable odds. KPMG Golf’s statistics gave her a mere 0.001% chance of winning. Defying expectations, Linnea Strom delivered an extraordinary performance, carding nine birdies and an eagle in a flawless, bogey-free 11-under-par 60. This incredible round allowed her to overturn a seven-shot deficit and triumph with a final score of 14 under par.

Reflecting on her unexpected win, Strom said, “I really did not expect this. This is proof that you should never give up. Just go out there and give it your all.” Her perseverance paid off, having birdied the 18th hole in Saturday’s second round just to make the cut. On Sunday, she teed off three hours and 40 minutes before the final group, setting the stage for her comeback. In the final moments, American Megan Khang missed a crucial chip at the last hole, which would have forced a playoff. She ultimately finished in a tie for second with Japan’s Ayaka Furue at 13 under.

Overnight leader Jenny Shin, who began the day at the top, struggled with a one-over 72, falling out of contention. Strom’s victory marked the largest final-round comeback by position in LPGA Tour history, surpassing Ayako Okamoto’s record. The lowest round ever recorded in LPGA Tour history remains Annika Sorrenstam’s 59 in 2001. Meanwhile, the previous record for the lowest round to win a tournament was held by Inbee Park, who shot a 61 in 2014. Strom’s historic performance not only etched her name into the LPGA Tour record books, but it also highlighted the significance of resilience.

Moreover, her achievement stands as an inspiring testament to the power of determination in the face of overwhelming odds.