Linn Grant missed the cut at the 2026 Chevron Championship after posting a second-round 79, ending her bid to advance at the LPGA’s first major of the season. The Swedish golfer opened with a 2-under-par 70 on Thursday but followed it with a nine-over 79 on Friday, finishing at 1-over-par 149 and failing to make the weekend at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston.
Grant’s second-round score included multiple bogeys and a double-bogey, a stark contrast to her strong start. She had been T-13 after the opening round, carding birdies on holes 10 through 13 to reach 2-under. But, Friday’s round unraveled quickly, with early struggles on the front nine setting the tone for a difficult day.
Meanwhile, Nelly Korda took control of the leaderboard with a commanding performance. After a first-round 65 that included birdies on holes 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9, Korda followed with a 68 on Friday to reach 13-under-par 131. She holds a five-shot lead over her nearest competitors, including world No. 1 Lydia Ko and Austin Ernst, both at 8-under.
Korda, a two-time major champion, is seeking her third LPGA major title. She previously won the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the 2024 Chevron Championship. Her current form positions her favorably as she aims to join an elite group of multiple Chevron Championship winners.
The 2026 Chevron Championship features a record $9 million purse, with the winner set to earn $1.35 million. Weather played a factor early in the week, with rain forecast for Thursday and Friday, though conditions improved over the weekend. The tournament is being held for the fourth time at Memorial Park Golf Course, which has hosted the event since 2023.
Grant, who entered the week as one of Sweden’s top golfers, has shown flashes of strong play this season but has yet to break through with a top-10 finish on the LPGA Tour in 2026. Her performance in Houston highlights the volatility of major championship golf, where a single poor round can eliminate even the most promising starts.
For Korda, the lead represents an opportunity to add to her major resume. She has been consistent early in the 2026 season, with a win, two solo seconds, and a tie for second before this week. Her ball-striking and putting have been particularly sharp, allowing her to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The cut line at the 2026 Chevron Championship is projected to fall around 3-over-par, meaning Grant’s 1-over total was not enough to advance. She joins a list of notable players who failed to make the weekend, including several former major champions.
As the tournament moves into the weekend, all eyes will be on Korda as she attempts to close out the victory. Her experience in high-pressure situations, including multiple major championships and Solheim Cup appearances, could prove vital in the final 36 holes.
Grant will now turn her focus to upcoming events on the LPGA Tour, aiming to rebound from this disappointment. The Swedish golfer has shown resilience in the past and will gaze to use this experience as motivation moving forward.
The 2026 Chevron Championship continues through Sunday, with final-round pairings set to be announced after Saturday’s play. Fans can follow live updates through the LPGA’s official channels and affiliated broadcasters.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 LPGA major championship season.
