Ciganda, Grant, Nordqvist Help Europe Retain Solheim Cup

By: Connor Smith

MALAGA, Spain - Sun Devil Women's Golf alumni had a major influence in retaining the Solheim Cup for Team Europe over the weekend at Finca Cortesin Golf Course in Spain.

Anna Nordqvist, Linn Grant, and Carlota Ciganda were all a part of the European side that tied the United States, 14-14. Thanks to their status as two-time defending Solheim Cup Champions, Team Europe retains the title. Trailing 4-0 after the first session, the Sun Devil trio was instrumental in sparking a comeback for the Europeans. Of the 14 total points accumulated by 12 European golfers, seven came from the three Sun Devils.

"We are so proud of this accomplishment for our three Sun Devils," Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye remarked. "They all worked extremely hard for this opportunity and deserve the recognition they are receiving."

Playing in front of thousands of fans in her home country of Spain, Carlota Ciganda delivered one of the most memorable performances in Solheim Cup history. With Europe trailing 14-13 and Ciganda tied late in her singles match, she secured massive wins on holes 16 and 17. A clutch putt on 18 sealed her victory over Nelly Korda of Team USA and evened the overall score at 14, allowing Europe to retain the cup. 

"To play in Spain is always special." Ciganda told reporters after the round. "To play a Solheim Cup here has been just an unbelievable week. There is nothing like this. To play in Spain in front of your home crowd, and to have my name being chanted was really amazing, very special. It is something that I won't ever forget."

"Nobody cares more and works harder than Carlota," Coach Farr-Kaye added. "It is so special for her to win in front of fans in her home country. She does a great job of representing Spanish female golf."

This is the third-straight Solheim Cup victory for Europe and first tie in the history of the event. When a tie occurs, the side who won the previous Solheim Cup last retains the trophy. Nordqvist and Ciganda have been a part of all three victories, with this being Grant's first taste of the Solheim Cup Championship. Fellow Sun Devil alum Azahara Munoz was on the 2019 European team that emerged victorious. It is the first time a side has won three-straight cups since the United States did it from 2005-09. 

Carlota Ciganda (4-0-0, 4 points)
Of the 24 total golfers at the Solheim Cup, Carlota Ciganda was the only one to go 4-0 in matches. She teamed up with fellow Sun Devil Linn Grant in the Friday Fourball session, claiming a 4&2 victory over Angel Yin and Ally Ewing. Ciganda earned another point during the Saturday Foursomes, this time pairing up with Emily Pedersen to defeat Lillian Vu and Jennifer Kupcho 2&1. For the second time at the Solheim Cup, Sun Devil Women's Golf products Carlota Ciganda and Linn Grant teamed up for a victory, this time in Saturday Fourball over Danielle Kang and Lillian Vu. Needing to win her singles match in order to force a tie, she knocked off Nelly Korda on Sunday to ensure Europe retained the cup, accounting for four of the team's 14 points.

Linn Grant (3-2-0, 3 points)
In her first Solheim Cup action, Linn Grant did not waste time making her presence felt. She was called upon by captain Suzzette Pettersen in all five sessions, one of only three European golfers to recieve that distinction. She paid off the trust of the veterans by winning three of five matches. On two ocassions, she teamed up with her fellow Sun Devil Carlota Ciganda to pull off victories. She emerged victorious during the Friday Fourball and Saturday Fourball sessions with Ciganda. 

Anna Nordqvist (1-2-0, 1 point)
This was Anna Nordqvist eighth consecutive Solheim Cup, having competed in every edition since 2009. This time she served as a Vice-Captain of the European side, competing as a playing assistant for team captain Suzann Pettersen. This was her fourth Solheim Cup Championship with Team Europe, capturing the crown in 2013, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Nordqvist added to her incredible International resume as she was already considered one of the top Solheim Cup competitors in the history of the event. A crucial victory over Jennifer Kupcho in the Sunday singles matches further cements her legacy. She has now gone 15-12-3 in eight prior appearances, collecting 16.5 points, the fifth-most in the history of Team Europe.

Sun Devil Women's Golf has a tradition with Team USA as well, will several Sun Devil greats suiting up for the Red, White, and Blue in Solheim competition. 2023 U.S. Senior Women's Open participants Brandie Burton, Wendy Ward, and Danielle Ammaccapane along with Emilee Klein and Heather Bowie have each represented their country at the highest level. 

Recent Arizona State products Linnea Strom, Olivia Mehaffey, Alexandra Forsterling, and Alessandra Fanali will be eligible for Team Europe in 2025 and have their sights set on future Solheim Cups. 

HOW TO FOLLOW
For the latest updates and information on the Sun Devil Women's Golf program, follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com). Find Coach Farr-Kaye (@missymkaye) and Coach Tatman (@CoachMikayla_) on Twitter as well.