What a start to 2023 it has been for Ana Peláez Triviño with two runner-up finishes and another top-10 result to her name on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
The Spaniard sits second on the 2023 Race to Costa del Sol with 777.33 points and has moved into the top 100 on the Rolex Women’s Golf World Rankings for the first time as she is 91st.
Another ranking that Peláez, who turns 25 today, has been climbing is the LET Solheim Cup Points list for the 2023 Solheim Cup.
The European Solheim Cup Team will be comprised of the top two players on the LET Points list, six players from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and four picks.
Peláez is third behind Swedish duo Maja Stark and Linn Grant after her great start to the year and will be aiming to try and break into the top two spots to be a member of Team Europe when the Solheim Cup heads to Spain for the first time in September.
“The beginning of the season has given me a lot of confidence as we head further into the year towards the Solheim Cup,” she said. “I think all of us that represent Europe want to do our best, so starting with three top-10 finishes has definitely helped me to believe that I can become a member of the team in September at Finca Cortesin.
“What I have to do is just play my best. I think all of us go to every tournament trying to do our best and between now and September, I definitely have to show that I want to be part of this team. The only way to do that is finishing at the very, very top and hopefully I can get some wins throughout the year to give myself an even bigger chance of making the team.”
Peláez turned professional in the summer of 2021 and secured a category on the LET at Q-School later that year, but it was six months later in Madrid when she made her mark.
The Spanish star stormed to victory at the 2022 Madrid Ladies Open and put her name out there as one to watch with her impressive performances across the rest of the LET season.
And being a native to the Costa del Sol region, having the opportunity to play in her hometown at Finca Cortsein from 22-24 September as part of Team Europe would be a dream come true for Peláez.
She explained: “I am very excited because I previously had the chance to play the PING Junior Solheim Cup in 2015 in Germany. When I saw the first tee shot of the official Solheim Cup hit that year, I told myself I really want to be part of this tournament when I turn pro. I think it would be great to inspire lots of young kids, who will come out to watch and hopefully have a similar feeling to the one that I got to experience.
“The Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin is going to be great for the culture of golf in Spain and in general for women’s golf. I’m very excited to see how this progresses. It was a life-changing moment for me back then in Germany and I think it will be the same for many people in Costa del Sol and throughout Spain that have the opportunity to watch their heroes live in person during the event.
“Representing Europe no matter where we are would be a dream but having the chance to represent Europe in the Costa Del Sol, my hometown, would be unbelievable. It would be amazing to think that my family and friends can be a part of it too. I hope I have the chance to represent Europe because it will be a dream come true, something I’ll never forget and something I’ll cherish forever.”
With six months to go until the 2023 Solheim Cup, the countdown is well and truly on until the prestigious spectacle gets underway at Finca Cortesin.
And the independent luxury golf, hotel and spa destination has announced that Peláez is a new ambassador to the resort.
“It feels like a privilege,” she added. “I think having the opportunity to represent Finca Cortesin and its members all around the world is an amazing opportunity. Being part of a golf course that is going to make history by hosting the Solheim Cup in Spain for the first time is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is something that I am very thankful for and makes me want to do my best so that I can represent their values, both on and off the course.
“It is a world-class golf resort and has everything a professional needs to become better. Not only the incredible golf course and its facilities, but also the gym and other off-course experiences. It is just unreal. I love every single thing about Finca Cortesin and having the chance to practice on the course and imagine what the Solheim Cup is going to be like later this year will be great.
“I plan on using the break in the Ladies European Tour schedule to spend more time at Finca Cortesin and become familiar with the conditions. I am very excited to see how my progress goes and all the things that I’m going to have access to.
“The course really challenges you in every area of your game. Not just having to strike the ball well, but also having a good short-game and strategy. You will always need to be physically prepared for the challenge and the heat too.”
