Spain's Carlota Ciganda Claims Crucial Point Over Nelly Korda In Home Solheim Cup
Ciganda defeated World No.3 Nelly Korda to ensure Europe retained the Solheim Cup


Spanish pro Carlota Ciganda made it four points from four games in her native Spain, with victory in the singles meaning Europe retained the Solheim Cup following a 14-14 finish at Finca Cortesin.
Ciganda was omitted from the opening session as her captain and former Solheim Cup team-mate, Suzann Pettersen, wanted to give her time to take in the moment and allow the Spaniard to ready herself to go into battle.
And how Ciganda responded as she went 4-0-0 with some spectacular golf to blow away her American opponents, as Nelly Korda felt the full force on the closing stretch on Sunday following incredible birdies on the 16th and 17th from the Spaniard to wrap up a 2&1 victory.
Following her win, Ciganda said: "I am so happy just to do this for Suzann and Spain. I am happy to do this for all the family and the Spanish crowd. When I saw Suzann on 16, she told me a couple of things and I thought: 'I'm just going to win this for her because I love her and she deserves it'.
"I love my team, I love Europe and Solheim Cups. I am just so happy to be here right now. It is very special to play in Spain but it has been a team effort. I am so happy the cup is staying where it belongs."
Captain Pettersen, whose side lost the opening session 4-0, said: "I walked her down 16 and I said it is all in her hands. She was up for it. We'll celebrate the Spanish way."
Ciganda's first match was the Friday afternoon fourball as the veteran took rookie Linn Grant under her wing to defeat Angel Yin and Ally Ewing 4&2. The Saturday morning foursomes then saw Ciganda tee it up alongside Emily Kristine Pedersen, as they saw off Jennifer Kupcho and Lilia Vu 2&1.
In the Saturday afternoon fourballs, Ciganda and Grant were again imperious but the Spanish pro delivered her best golf under pressure on Sunday with a performance fit for a king - namely Spain's King Felipe VI, who was in the crowd.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Tips on how to play better, latest equipment reviews, interviews with the biggest names and more.

James Nursey is a freelance contributor to Golf Monthly after spending over 20 years as a sports reporter in newspapers. During a 17-year career with the Daily Mirror, he covered mainly football but reported from The Open annually and also covered a Ryder Cup and three US Opens. He counts a pre-tournament exclusive with Justin Rose at Merion in 2013 as one of his most memorable as the Englishman went on to win his first Major and later repeated much of the interview in his winner’s speech. Now, after choosing to leave full-time work in newspapers, James, who is a keen single-figure player, is writing about golf more. His favourite track is the Old Course after attending St Andrews University but has since played mainly at Edgbaston, where he is a member. James’ golfing highlights include a hole-in-one and previously winning the club championship and scratch knock-out at Edgbaston. He is also an active member of the Association of Golf Writers and Press Golfing Society, for whom he has represented in matches. But he is just as happy hitting balls or playing the odd hole with his young daughter at their local club Shrewsbury.
James is currently playing:
Driver: Ping G400
3 wood: Ping i20
Hybrid: Ping i20
Irons: Ping i500 4-SW
Wedges: Ping Glide forged 50, 56
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Ball: Titleist ProVIx
-
LIV Golf Promotions Prize Money Payout 2023
Players are contesting three places in next year’s lucrative LIV Golf League, but there’s also prize money up for grabs
By Mike Hall Published
-
Alfred Dunhill Championship Prize Money Payout 2023
Ockie Strydom defends his title as players compete for an identical purse to the 2022 event
By Mike Hall Published
-
Seven-Time Major Winner Inbee Park Shortlisted For New Olympics Job
Inbee Park - who won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics - is among 32 sport stars seeking to be elected into one of four positions on the IOC Athletes' Commission
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Aditi Ashok Claims Second Ladies European Tour Title At Season-Ending Finale
At the LET's season-ending Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España, there was far more than just one title at stake
By Alison Root Published
-
Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open De Espana Prize Money Payout 2023
Six players are competing for the chance to claim the Race to Costa del Sol title
By Mike Hall Published
-
Vote Delayed In Golf's Other Merger After 'Additional Information Received Just Prior To The Meeting'
The vote on the LET's proposed merger with the LPGA has been delayed after "additional information" was received just before the meeting
By Paul Higham Published
-
Amy Yang Claims LPGA Tour Finale At CME Group Tour Championship
Yang fired a six-under-par final round to secure a two shot win in Florida and the biggest paycheck of her career
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Nelly Korda Makes Hole-In-One At CME Group Tour Championship
The Olympic gold medalist made the ace at the eighth hole during her third round of the LPGA Tour's finale
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LPGA Tour Star Credits Major Winner And Former World No.1 For Upturn In Form
Alison Lee is currently enjoying some of the best golf of her life, with the Solheim Cup player crediting Masters winner, Fred Couples, for her resurgence
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Report: Lexi Thompson And Rory McIlroy To Star In Next Edition Of 'The Match'
The latest edition of the made-for-TV event could see a first for the format, with two LPGA Tour players and two PGA Tour golfers set to compete
By Ben Fleming Last updated