Ciganda, Nordqvist Competing in Solheim Cup
TOLEDO, Ohio - Sun Devil Women's Golf greats Anna Nordqvist and Carlota Ciganda have been selected to compete in the 2021 Solheim Cup as part of Team Europe.
By virtue of their Rolex Rankings, the Sun Devil duo qualified for the prestigious Ryder Cup-inspired event featuring the top female golfers in the World. At Iverness Club in Toledo, Team Europe will take on Team USA in a three-days of match play-style competition, running Sept. 4-6. The contest will be broadcasted nationally on GOLF Channel and NBC, with live coverage provided all three days.
"We take great pride in our European connection, so to see two alumni on Team Europe for the Solheim Cup is exciting for the program," Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye remarked.
In the 17th edition of the Solheim Cup, the first day features four foursome (alternate shot) matches in a morning session and four fourball (better ball) matches in an afternoon session. A total of eight players from each team participate in each session. The format remains the same for day two, setting up for a typically dramatic day three finish. All 12 players participate in 12 head-to-head singles matches on Monday, Sept. 6, with a winner crowned based on total points over the three days.
"Our current European players will be tuned-in to watch," Coach Farr-Kaye added. "They know that they are at a place that can get them to the highest levels."
Nordqvist and Ciganda are no strangers to International competition, consistently representing their country and continent at the highest level. The pair recently participated in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, each making their second-career Olympic appearance.
This will be Nordqvist seventh consecutive Solheim Cup, having competed in every edition since 2009. She is coming off her third-career LPGA Major Championship, claiming the 2021 AIG Women's British Open at Carnoustie. Ciganda has a history of her own at the Solheim Cup, making her fifth consecutive appearance, participating since 2013. They were both a part of the winning European side in 2019 and 2013. Nordqvist and fellow Sun Devil Azahara Munoz were also on the victorious 2011 team. In her illustrious international career, Munoz has appeared in four Solheim Cups.
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. Brandie Burton, Wendy Ward, Emilee Klein, Heather Bowie, and Danielle Ammaccapane have each represented their country at the highest level.
Recent Arizona State products Linnea Strom, Olivia Mehaffey, and Linn Grant will be eligible for Team Europe and have their sights set on future Solheim Cups.
The first Solheim Cup took place back in 1990 and Team USA currently holds a 10-6 lead in the event heading into the 2021 Solheim Cup. The European team won back the coveted Waterford Crystal trophy at the latest Solheim Cup, by a narrow 14 ½-13 ½ margin.
The Solheim Cup is named in honour of Karsten and Louise Solheim, the founders of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which makes PING golf equipment.