Staff WriterLinn Grant has her hands on the wheel of this tournament again, and she’s driving it like she stole it. The Swede sits at -14, one clear of Jennifer Kupcho, after turning in a third-round 65 so tidy you could eat off it.
With Linn Grant leading the field in greens hit, birdies made, and ice-cold composure, the final round is shaping up to be a proper brawl.
Grant wasn’t messing around on Saturday. She rattled off a bogey-free card, peppered 17 of 18 greens, and stitched together back-to-back birdies on 5 and 6, then again on 13 and 14. If she’d hit any more fairways, the superintendent might’ve tried to hire her.
This is familiar territory for her, too. The last time she led or co-led after 54 holes, she walked off with the trophy at the 2023 Dana Open. She’s sitting on her second-lowest three-round total on the LPGA Tour—dangerous territory for anyone trying to catch her.
But she knows the job’s not done. “I think my record is pretty solid. I would say out of the wins I’ve had I’ve been leading going into the last day. But anything can happen. I’m expecting other players to play well and thinking that I need to up my game and do at least the same as today.”
Fair enough. The chasers behind her aren’t here for a sightseeing tour.
Kupcho One Back and Looking Hungry
Jennifer Kupcho sits at -13, matching Grant’s 65 with one of her own—also spotless, also ruthless. She hit 14 greens, needed just 27 putts, and rolled in nine one-putts like she was speed-running the back nine. She’s even tossed in an eagle on Friday to keep everyone honest.
Kupcho has history on her side. Every one of her LPGA wins came from either tied for the lead or exactly one shot back going into Sunday. In other words: she’s right where she likes to be.
She hasn’t over-complicated the plan. “No. 14, literally. I think that’s kind of been my mindset this whole week and it’s really worked thus far. Really just zoning in on 14. Maybe try and throw an eagle in tomorrow. That would be great.”
If she does, it won’t just be great—it’ll make Grant’s Sunday a whole lot longer.
Guseva and Kim Three Back and Kicking Down the Door
Nataliya Guseva posted the round of the day—a bogey-free 63, her lowest score since joining the LPGA Tour. Her back-nine 29 included birdies on 10, 12, and four of the last five holes. She’s not sneaking into this thing; she’s charging.
Grace Kim, meanwhile, shot a gritty 68—her “worst” round of the week—which tells you exactly how well she’s been playing. Five birdies, seven one-putts, and one more chance to make her season even louder.
Both sit at -11, three behind Grant, and very much alive.
Nelly Korda Six Back, But Not Out
The defending champion is at -8 after rounds of 71-63-68. Six shots isn’t ideal, but Korda has made a career out of shredding final-round scripts. In her last three Pelican victories, she entered Sunday either leading or one behind. She’ll need something special this time—but if anyone can conjure it, it’s her.
Linn Grant: The Full Picture
The Swede’s season hasn’t been flashy, but it’s been solid:
- Rank: 41st in the Race to CME Globe
- 2025 Top-10s: 4
- 2025 Earnings: $855,000
- Career Wins: 1
- Career Top-10s: 17
- Career Earnings: $3.4 million
Her résumé includes Solheim Cup appearances, an Olympic showing, and two wins at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed—making her the only woman to win that event twice.
She’s earned her place here. Now she’ll try to finish the job.
Final Round Setup: Buckle Up
The lead is one, the chasers are credible, and the scoring records at Pelican are always within reach when the wind behaves. With Linn Grant setting the pace and Kupcho breathing down her neck, Sunday at Pelican is shaping up to be the kind of knife-edge finish the LPGA does better than anyone.
Grant knows she can win from here. Kupcho knows she can catch her. Everyone else knows they’ve got nothing to lose.
Grab a coffee. This one’s going the distance.
