Linn Grant and Maja Stark are ready to pair up again as they prepare for their second Solheim Cup appearance
Linn Grant and Maja Stark are ready to represent Team Europe for a second time in the 2024 Solheim Cup, and both are excited to bring their experience from Spain to the United States. Having been rookies during their first outing just 12 months ago, both players are wiser, more confident, and ready to tackle the challenges in front of them this week.
For Grant, her debut in the Solheim Cup in Spain last year was a whirlwind. She played all five matches, gaining invaluable experience, “just playing so many rounds... I was like, I'll do whatever you need me to do, and it was really fun. So just have good memories from playing all those rounds.”
However, the 25-year-old is well aware that the atmosphere in America will be different. “It’s just a little bit more comfortable going into this week, I suppose, but I think also it's going to be a lot different than Spain – different crowd, different team.” Despite the change in surroundings, she is looking forward to the challenge and relishing the opportunity.
Stark, who also debuted alongside Grant last year, is equally excited to experience the Solheim Cup on American soil. “It’s nice to hear what the people that have been doing this for longer say about playing in the U.S., about how it kind of brings the European team together even more,” Stark said, emphasising the added team spirit that comes with playing on foreign soil.
Both players have grown since their rookie appearance, not only in terms of skill but in their mental approach to the game. For Grant, the adrenaline and emotions she experienced during the Solheim Cup have become a source of motivation. “In the back of my head, I wish that every week was like this because it's so surreal,” she said, describing the heightened emotions and nervousness that come with competing at this level. “It’s like a whole other level of golf that you have to think about.”
Stark shared similar sentiments, recalling how the intensity of the event brought out emotions she wasn’t used to expressing. “I never really do big gestures and stuff when I make a putt, and then all of a sudden at Solheim, I just started screaming and fist pumps and everything. I had no idea that was going to come out,” Stark laughed. This time around, she knows what to expect and is better prepared to manage those emotions.
When asked about the nerves that inevitably come with standing on the first tee, Grant revealed how she approaches those high-pressure moments. “I always try to tell myself that I love those moments and that's why I play professional golf,” she said, explaining that embracing the nerves helps her perform. “I love being nervous.”
The camaraderie between Grant and Stark is evident, with the two Swedes building on their strong partnership from last year. Stark humorously confirmed, “Yes, we don’t hate each other,” when asked about their relationship. Their bond, along with the larger European team dynamic, plays a crucial role in their success. According to Stark, the team atmosphere is one of fun and camaraderie. “Everyone is not taking everything too seriously. Not taking themselves too seriously is one of the big things.”
A key factor in their preparation this year has been their captain, Suzann Pettersen. Both players noted how she has evolved from last year, becoming more structured and confident in her leadership. Grant highlighted Pettersen’s straightforwardness: “You don't ever have to wonder if what she says is actually what she means, which is great in a coach.” Stark added that this year, Pettersen has taken on a more decisive role, offering clearer communication and organisation, something both players appreciate.
Despite Europe’s recent success in the Solheim Cup, Grant acknowledged that Team USA is strong on paper. However, that underdog mentality is something Team Europe can use to their advantage. “I don't think it's bad going into this week knowing that we have to give a good fight to keep the Cup,” she said, emphasising that the team is ready to come out strong from the start.
For both Grant and Stark, representing Sweden as part of Team Europe is a source of pride. Sweden has a rich history in women’s golf, and Stark proudly stated, “We are the best. We’ve always been. We’re always going to be.” Grant echoed that sentiment, saying, “It feels nice to have other Swedes on the team, just to chat with, to be a bit closer with.”
As they prepare to tee off at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Grant and Stark are likely to be a force to be reckoned with, more so than when the stage looked to overwhelm them in Spain. There is no doubt that they will not be going down without a fight and their American opponents will need more than just a home soil advantage to beat this dynamic Swedish duo.
Women & Golf will be reporting direct from Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - find out more about the 2024 Solheim Cup here.