Ingrid Lindblad , the Swedish rookie who made waves as an amateur, has secured her first LPGA victory just three starts into her rookie season. The 25-year-old former LSU standout won the 2025 JM Eagle LA Championship with a 21-under total, defeating fellow rookie Akie Iwai by one stroke in a thrilling finish at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California.
A Confident Rookie with Big Goals
Lindblad, who had a storied college career at LSU, including 15 wins and a stint as the No. 1-ranked amateur in the world, wasted no time making her mark as a professional. Her triumph at the JM Eagle LA Championship came just three events into her LPGA career, underscoring her confidence and readiness for the big stage.
In an emotional moment after the win, Lindblad hugged her mother, Cecilia, who had just arrived from Sweden to support her for the month. The victory also secured Lindblad a spot in the U.S. Womenâs Open, making her rookie season even more impactful. "âI donât think winning is that crazy of a goal,â Ingrid Lindblad said last fall when discussing her expectations for her rookie season. Turns out, she was right."
A Nail-Biting Finish
The final round was filled with drama, as Lindblad started the day tied for the lead with Iwai. Lindblad shot a steady 4-under 68, while Iwai faltered in the final moments, missing a par-saving putt on the 18th hole, which gave Lindblad the victory by one shot. With three players finishing just two strokes behind, including Lauren Coughlin, Esther Henseleit, and Miyu Yamashita, it was clear that the competition was fierce.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda finished 16th after a challenging round, but it was Lindblad's day, as the young Swede showed poise and composure under pressure. "You could tell sheâs super talented and really good at what she does," said Coughlin, who had played with Lindblad in the past and was not surprised by her success.
Following in Annika's Footsteps
Lindbladâs victory was a historic one. Not only did she become the second rookie to win on the LPGA this season, but she also joined a select group of players to win on the same course where Annika Sorenstam claimed her 50th career victory back in 2004. Lindblad, who idolizes Sorenstam, will surely be looking to follow in the footsteps of the Hall of Famer as she continues to build her career.
As for the future, Lindblad is eager to keep up the momentum. "Weâre not here to mess around," she said of her fellow rookies, highlighting the strength of this yearâs debut class. The win not only boosted her confidence but also earned her a $562,500 paycheck, with a bright future ahead.
In the coming weeks, Lindblad will compete in the first major of the season, the Chevron Championship , and with her first LPGA title in hand, the sky's the limit for the rising Swedish star.
A Confident Rookie with Big Goals
Lindblad, who had a storied college career at LSU, including 15 wins and a stint as the No. 1-ranked amateur in the world, wasted no time making her mark as a professional. Her triumph at the JM Eagle LA Championship came just three events into her LPGA career, underscoring her confidence and readiness for the big stage.
#CheersToTheChamp đŸ
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2025
With her maiden victory at the @JMEagleLAChamp, Ingrid Lindblad has punched her ticket to the 2026/27 @HiltonGrandVac Tournament of Champions đ pic.twitter.com/IUvih8Hned
In an emotional moment after the win, Lindblad hugged her mother, Cecilia, who had just arrived from Sweden to support her for the month. The victory also secured Lindblad a spot in the U.S. Womenâs Open, making her rookie season even more impactful. "âI donât think winning is that crazy of a goal,â Ingrid Lindblad said last fall when discussing her expectations for her rookie season. Turns out, she was right."
A Nail-Biting Finish
The final round was filled with drama, as Lindblad started the day tied for the lead with Iwai. Lindblad shot a steady 4-under 68, while Iwai faltered in the final moments, missing a par-saving putt on the 18th hole, which gave Lindblad the victory by one shot. With three players finishing just two strokes behind, including Lauren Coughlin, Esther Henseleit, and Miyu Yamashita, it was clear that the competition was fierce.
Ingrid Lindblad's winning moment đ đ pic.twitter.com/1JHvoVEqUt
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2025
World No. 1 Nelly Korda finished 16th after a challenging round, but it was Lindblad's day, as the young Swede showed poise and composure under pressure. "You could tell sheâs super talented and really good at what she does," said Coughlin, who had played with Lindblad in the past and was not surprised by her success.
Following in Annika's Footsteps
Lindbladâs victory was a historic one. Not only did she become the second rookie to win on the LPGA this season, but she also joined a select group of players to win on the same course where Annika Sorenstam claimed her 50th career victory back in 2004. Lindblad, who idolizes Sorenstam, will surely be looking to follow in the footsteps of the Hall of Famer as she continues to build her career.
As for the future, Lindblad is eager to keep up the momentum. "Weâre not here to mess around," she said of her fellow rookies, highlighting the strength of this yearâs debut class. The win not only boosted her confidence but also earned her a $562,500 paycheck, with a bright future ahead.
In the coming weeks, Lindblad will compete in the first major of the season, the Chevron Championship , and with her first LPGA title in hand, the sky's the limit for the rising Swedish star.
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