By: Max Bechtoldt
It was truly something out of a storybook for Carlota Ciganda in 2023. A Solheim Cup mainstay that earned her way on the team in her home country of Spain, being the unquestioned MVP for Europe. Ciganda went 4-0-0 and clinched the point that retained the cup with an upset Sunday win over Nelly Korda.
How could it possibly get better for Ciganda in 2024? Well, it probably can’t, but that doesn’t mean she once again won’t be a player Europe leans heavily on.
This will be Ciganda’s seventh Solheim Cup, an event she’s had a lot of ups and downs in. Her speciality is absolutely the Sunday singles round, where she has built up a 4-1-1 record. She is a perfect .500 in the other two formats, though there may be a secret ingredient here.
Ciganda and Linn Grant of Sweden paired terrifically in fourball play in 2023. This isn’t a surprise, both are long-hitting ball strikers who can put themselves in eagle and birdie position often. While the two missed the cut at the Dow Championship, I wouldn’t read too much into that.
Ciganda’s season has been just alright, she’s notched three top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour, including last weekend in Boston. Her putting has slipped in 2024, but she’s still one of the great hitters in the game.
The key with Ciganda is the confidence that 2023 gave, and the experience she brings. She really embodies the stereotypical European Solheim Cup player, gritty, passionate and fiery.
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