Carlota Ciganda had a week she will never forget at the 2023 Solheim Cup which ended in her rolling in the crucial putt that meant Europe retained the trophy.
Having won the previous two editions, the European Team only needed 14 points in Spain to keep hold of the trophy for a third time.
With Europe having 13 points on the board, the Spaniard holed her birdie putt on the 16th at Finca Cortesin to go 1 Up and rolled in her birdie putt on 17 to defeat Nelly Korda 2&1 and seal the point that meant Europe claimed an historic three in a row.
“It was an amazing week and a week that I won’t forget,” said Ciganda, who went undefeated with a 4-0-0 record. “It was really special to play in Spain in front of my family, the home crowd, lots of friends.
“It’s something that I couldn’t imagine that it was going to happen like that. It’s just moments that they are very special and that is going to stay with me forever. The way it ended up with those two shots. I’m really happy and cannot wait for next year.
“Having Suzann [Pettersen] as a captain and playing in Spain it was unbelievable having my parents there and a lot of close friends. It was very emotional.”
But what do you do the week after rolling in the crucial putt in your homeland at the Solheim Cup? Watch the Ryder Cup, of course.
The Spanish star was happy to have a week of rest and paid plenty of attention to what was going on in Rome.
She explained: “Last week I was just resting, I was really tired after Solheim Cup. I watched the Ryder Cup, and I did a lot of interviews and TV.
“I love watching the Ryder Cup, it’s always a lot of fun. On Friday, I was basically in my pj’s from 8am until 3pm just watching everything.
“Saturday, I watched in the morning and then Sunday I was flying here, so I watched a little bit but not everything. I was so happy to see Europe win in Rome, it was a great team and Jon Rahm played amazing as well. I’m very happy to see both teams do so well.”
Now Ciganda’s attention turns to this week’s tournament which is the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Golf Club is the venue, and the unique format is something that the Solheim Cup star relishes.
Earlier this year, Ciganda won her seventh LET title triumphing by one shot in the Individual event at the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Florida.
The seven-time LET winner is looking forward to another good week and feels confident about her game.
“I enjoy playing these events,” she added. “They’re great tournaments, the setup and the courses are usually really nice. I have only played the front nine so far, but I think it’s a nice course, I’m excited for the week so we’ll see how it goes.
“The game is good, I feel confident, and I think I am in a good place right now, especially after Solheim. I still have to keep working every day and do the things that I have to do to get the game where I want but I feel pretty good.”
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