Carlota Ciganda has once again pulled off the feat of keeping Europe in contention at the Solheim Cup with a superb match play performance, ending day one with an exciting 4-4 tie. At Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, she cemented her status as an absolute legend of team competition on Friday evening, securing a pressure par on the 18th.
Nerves were frayed as Europe and the USA each split their two Friday sessions 2-2 on this unusually even first day. This marks the first time in Solheim Cup history that the teams have been tied after the first two sessions – a true novelty. Ciganda paired with rookie Julia López Ramírez, facing the US duo Nelly Korda and Lauren Coughlin. The match was all square on the 18th hole, with tension palpable.
Nerves of Steel on the 18th Green
What happened next was pure Solheim Cup drama: Korda and Coughlin both missed their birdie chances on the final green. The putt was left to Ciganda. From around 12 feet (approx. 3.7 meters), she coolly sank the par putt. This moment was decisive and secured Europe the half-point, preventing the USA from starting Saturday with a 5-3 lead. An incredibly strong performance under immense pressure!
Ciganda: A True Match Play Machine
Ciganda simply has that special Solheim Cup DNA. Already in 2023, she was key to the European victory and title defense at Finca Cortesin, where she defeated Nelly Korda in singles with late birdies. Her latest feat perfectly fits this pattern, underscoring her ability to deliver in the most critical moments. Thanks to this stellar performance, everything is still in play for Europe.
