With a record-setting 6-under 65, Swedish amateur Ingrid Lindblad swept her way to a leading spot among the world’s best female golfers at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open presented by ProMedica. Lindblad, who just finished her junior year at Louisiana State University, carded seven birdies and just one bogey on a steamy day at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C.
“I hit a few shots close to the pin, and then my putting was great today,” said Lindblad, the No. 2 amateur in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings. “Made a few par saves and made a few putts for birdies. It just worked from fairway to green.”
With the 65, Lindblad set a U.S. Women’s Open record for 18-hole score by an amateur. The previous mark of 66 had been returned three times, most recently by Epson Tour winner Gina Kim in the first round in 2019. Her record-breaking day was made even more magical by the company Lindblad kept inside the ropes, playing alongside 72-time LPGA Tour winner and three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion Annika Sorenstam.
“When I saw that I'm playing with her I was like in shock. I was like, this cannot be true,” Lindblad said of playing with her childhood idol. “Then on the first tee box I get her scorecard, I'm like, I have Annika's scorecard in my hands. But it was really cool. We had fun out there. She fist pumped me for a few birdies, and it was fun.”
For Sorenstam, seeing her young fellow Swede take control of an incredibly difficult Pine Needles track was nothing short of inspirational. “She's authentic. She's got a special look, but she's a fearless player. I think she's confident in her own game,” Sorenstam said. “I know she doesn't shy away from the limelight that maybe I did as a young girl. I think she embraces it quite well, and she has some good tournaments coming up this summer, and I think she's excited. She's going to be a senior. She's one of the leaders. She's really a terrific young lady, and I think she's going to do well.”
The future of Swedish women’s golf? Sorenstam knows that it’s in good hands, thanks to Lindblad.
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