For Linnea Ström, playing on the LPGA Tour has always been a dream. Although the Swede started playing golf at a young age, but like many others her age it was not her only focus; she also played tennis and rode horses.

It wasn't until the age of fourteen that Linnea decided to devote herself exclusively to golf.

The path from Linnea Ström to the LPGA

Linnea Ström - © Tristan Jones / LET

"My older brother, Adam, has always been my greatest source of inspiration"said Linnea, who will begin his first year as a rookie in a few weeks on the LPGA tour. "I did everything he did and hang out with him, and his friends on the golf courses taught me a lot of things growing up"

Linnea spent two and a half years at Arizona State University, but after winning the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2017, she felt ready to take it to the next level.

In the fall of 2017, Linnea entered the LPGA qualifying tournament and achieved full Symetra Tour status for the 2018 season. At that point, she had a decision to make and was still wondering. whether to turn professional or stay in college for another year.

She admitted the decision was hard to make as she loved everything ASU has to offer, from her team to coaches, you couldn't ask for a better place to spend their college years.

“Personally and for my golf, I was right to turn professional and to give myself an honest chance to get my LPGA card thanks to the Symetra Tour”said Linnea.

Playing professional golf on the Symetra Tour compared to amateur golf gave her a period of adjustment of a few months before feeling comfortable, but she said she felt good with her game and knew that she was going in the right direction.

“I think the biggest difference between college golf and Symetra is that a mistake on the golf course cost you dearly. On the Symetra, every shot is important and can push you up 20 positions, ” said Linnea. “I'll bring this with me to the LPGA. The margins are tiny, and everyone wants to win. "

In August last year, she won her first professional victory at the Sioux Falls Great Life Challenge and admitted: "After that I was more relaxed and played golf regularly to get my LPGA card for 2019."

Playing on the Symetra Tour has taught Linnea a lot about how to manage all trips, training and tournaments.

"As an amateur you are not used to playing 4-6 tournaments in a row which has been a big change for me this year," said Linnea. “Now it's important to train and train even during the tournament weeks. "

Linnea believes she is ready for the LPGA Tour and a new chapter in her career.

“After many years as an amateur, including two and a half years in college and a year as a professional on the Symetra Tour, I feel ready to take the next step in the LPGA,” said Linnea. “I believe there will always be a challenge and a learning experience, and that's the fun part of golf. "

"I am very proud to be where I am and very excited to take on the challenges that lie ahead"said Linnea.

For Linnea, her dream comes true when she begins her rookie season at the ISPS Handa Vic Open.