Solheim Cup: Suzann Pettersen hails sensational Carlota Ciganda

Solheim Cup captain Suzann Pettersen has heaped praise on Carlota Ciganda after the Spaniard secured the point that retained the Solheim Cup for Team Europe.

In what was a drama-fuelled session of singles, Ciganda faced off against American star Nelly Korda, in what was a tight match.

Although the Spaniard took a commanding three-hole lead after eight, she was pegged back to all square after the 15th, in a time where the American team looked to have momentum.

• Team Europe retain the Solheim Cup

But, in a switch of fortunes started by a superb run from Caroline Hedwall, Ciganda once again took the lead in the match, eventually closing it out with a birdie on the 17th hole.

That birdie was enough for a 2&1 win, to take Team Europe to 14 points, a feat that looked nearly impossible after the first session, where the USA took a 4-0 lead in the contest.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match concluded, an emotional Pettersen paid tribute to the 33-year-old.

It's official! Team Europe has retained the Solheim Cup! 🇪🇺🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/yrX0yKTQj3

— bunkered (@BunkeredOnline) September 24, 2023

“I think it was meant to be. It came down to Carlota, in Spain, in her own hands,” said Pettersen.

“I walked with her down 16 and said to her ‘is this how you want it? It’s all in your hands now.’ She’s got it in her.

“At some point 30 minutes prior, we had no clue where it was going. It was coming down to the wire.

• Why Laura Davies has never been Solheim Cup captain

• Lewis: Big opportunity missed with Ryder Cup

“We have the best team. I’m so proud of them. They play with their hearts, there is no such thing as giving up, no matter what the challenges were. We got off to a rough start but we didn’t look back. The sky is the limit.

“This is all Carlota. It’s one of best things I’ve been a part of, this is what makes the Solheim Cup so special.”

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor