2023 SOLHEIM CUP SPOTLIGHT: CARLOTA CIGANDA

Carlota Ciganda

Playing at home is always special, but is there anything better than playing in the Solheim Cup in your home country? Well, Carlota Ciganda is about to find out.

Spain is hosting the prestigious competition for the first time with the stunning Finca Cortesin being the venue for the biennial contest, which is the showpiece of women’s golf.

The Spanish star is set to make her sixth consecutive appearance for Team Europe next week after automatically qualifying to the team via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

And the seven-time LET winner is excited for the week ahead with hopes of lots of support on the ground.

“I’m very happy to play in my home country, it’s going to be very special,” said Ciganda. “I can’t wait to be there. Hopefully, there will be lots of supporters and lots of Spanish crowds.

“I have a lot of people coming! Family, friends, members from my golf club – I would say at least 40 to 50 people will be there.

“My family know how important it is for me to be able to play in the Solheim Cup at home, I come from a very sporty family so it’s going to be very special, and I think they are going to enjoy it too.

“Finca is a great course, it’s going to be nice weather and a great course to play matchplay. I’m sure the hospitality tents are going to be nice, it will be a good set up.”

Ciganda has become a stalwart of the European Team in recent years, having been on the winning side three times previously.

The Spaniard has won nine points from the 19 matches she has played in the competition, and she heads into this year’s contest having clinched her seventh LET title back in May.

Fans will come out in their drives to the stunning location, but what does Ciganda say we can expect from the locals?

“Lots of passion, lots of cheering, lots of screaming of ‘Vamos’ and hopefully a lot of fun,” she continued.

“I can’t wait! It’s always really nice to play at home and especially in Spain and hopefully they’re the 13th player so we can have a little bit of luck and win the cup.”

Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking: 28

Professional Wins: LPGA (2), LET (7), LETAS (1)

Best Results in 2023: Winner of the Aramco Team Series – Florida (Individual), T3 at Portland Classic and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

PJSC Appearances: 2005, 2007 (winners)

Solheim Cup Appearances: 2013 (winners), 2015, 2017, 2019 (winners), 2021 (winners)

Solheim Cup Record: 7-8-4 (W-L-H)