Ström, who usually plays in the USA, has had a good season this year after last year with a victory on the Epson tour, among other things.
It was different last year when the game didn't match at all.
- When I stand next to the ball, it almost freezes.
I don't know how to get the ball going, I don't know if it will go to the right or the left.
There will be extreme uncertainty and low self-confidence about my own golf.
It was very tough.
I personally have not had such strong setbacks earlier in my career, says Ström.
"Couldn't hit the ball straight"
Solution?
Turning a blind eye to the problem.
- I have used it as a training method sometimes.
Hitting a little with your eyes closed, then you feel the balance clearly throughout the swing.
I didn't think I would do it out on the track and during competition, but I needed to.
It was simply impossible to hit the ball straight (with eyes open).
It was the only thing that worked for me, says Ström.
Ström played the entire last season with his eyes closed.
After a trip home to Sweden last winter, however, something happened - Ström managed to get out of the mental lock-in.
- Only those close to me knew about it.
But now I'm so comfortable talking about it and it's important to get out that it's not always a bed of roses.
I am incredibly happy that I can prove that I was so far down at the bottom and now this year I still won on the Epson tour.
Skaftö Open is broadcast on SVT on Saturday and Sunday.
Hear Linnea Ström in the player above.