Madelene Sagstrom in the Winner's Circle at the T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards Championship
Madelene Sagstrom celebrates with her mother Lena Sagstrom after winning a remarkable T-Mobile Match Play championship at the Shadow Creek Golf Club in North Las Vegas. Photography by Diamonds Mirror / Arnie Bazemore.
April 6, 2025 —North Las Vegas — The legend goes — at least in Las Vegas— that the impossible championship of golf is defined by luck. Yet, although one may amass all the luck in the world, a sense and strength of persistence across the equally beautiful and fiercely competitive Shadow Creek Golf Course is what counts on the final day.
That certainly tested this year's falling defending champion and a field of top-ranked golf athletes, to crown Madelene Sagström in the winner's circle. And indeed, it was her impossible path to the championship, and nineteen hundred days later to be exact, of what seemed to be one of the toughest golf journeys of her career, after which finally celebrated with great enthusiasm her first title at the T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards.
"I stood over every shot from probably 12 tee [during the final], and I was like, this is the most important shot you hit in your life. Go for it. If you hit this perfect, what would this feel like? Go for it. You really have to reset," said Sagstrom.
The day of the final began early, and her anticipation was running high. She first finished against Celine Boutier beating her in 19 holes and continued to lead for 15 of the 16 holes, only losing 3 in her semifinal match. Then she met her final opponent, Lauren Coughlin.
On the 12 hole, Coughlin was one ahead of Sagstrom with 6 holes remaining, first to tie on holes 14 and 15. Then Sagstrom took a 1-up lead on the 16 hole.
It was decided on 17 and 18 with, two holes remaining and matched scores, that Sagstrom would step into the winner's circle for the first time, and as the first player in the history of this event to reach a 17-0-0 record. She looked at her caddie Shane Codd, hugged him, and celebrated an impressive victory abounding in joy.
"It feels amazing. I kind of forgot what it feels like, and today it's like you really can't relax or you're out of it at any point. Even when I'm standing there when Lauren is putting her last putt. I need to prepare for her to make this. I'm expecting her to make this, and let's go for a playoff," said Sagstrom.
The exclusive Shadow Creek Golf Course, owned by the MGM Resorts International, garnered a lot of attention for being competitive challenging in the past five years. In honor of her celebration and joy of the day, Sagstrom confirmed its developing legacy and is very hopeful about its future.
"It's a wonderful golf course, but it will test your whole game. This is probably — we were talking about it today. Unless we match play here, I can see this being a U.S. Open course," she said.
Away from Sweden's snow, Sagstrom also can't help but love her new championship course being in the desert. "What surprises me the most is this oasis of a golf course that just sits here. It's like you come in here and you're in a little different world. It's crazy. It's a beautiful place. I've always loved it here!"
In her mother's words who was sharing in the journey of lengthy rounds, hugs, and tears throughout the week, Sagstrom is also stepping up amidst Sweden's top golfers and pioneers to create a legacy of her own. "The biggest win in Las Vegas," her mother Lena said. "So, everyone can say, I can do it!"
There's no better place than to be lucky than in Las Vegas, and Sagstrom still wiping off her tears of joy agreed.
"To win a golf tournament, you're going to have a lot of good luck. This week, I've had good bounces, bad bounces, and a few more good bounces than most people. You have to be lucky to win and steady to win. That's what I take with me."
