Gurgaon: Carlota Ciganda, the Spaniard, who is leading the Ladies European Tour’s ISPS Handa Order of Merit, is looking forward to her visit to the Taj Mahal, when she comes to India for the first time later this month for the Hero Women’s Indian Open.
“I think I am going there on Monday and the tournament is Friday so if I would love to go and see it,” said Ciganda, who bigger target is to make her maiden appearance to India a winning one. The 22-year-old, who already had two wins against her name, will be making her first visit to India later this month for the Hero Women’s Indian Open.
Speaking from China, about her visit to India, Ciganda said, “I’ve never been (to India) but have heard from a few friends. I don’t really know much, but I heard that the hotel is nice and the course is really nice. They told me to always drink water from a bottle. I like to travel and see new countries, new things.”
About Indian golfers, Ciganda, who will be bringing her regular caddie, Javi, said, “I know Sharmila (Nicollet), who plays on the LET, but no others.” She added, “I like to know about other cultures, other people, how they live there, I think it’s good to know other cultures and this visit will give me a chance to do that.”
Caroline Masson, who is currently second behind Ciganda, on the Order of Merit is not coming to India. Ciganda said, “For me it’s good that she’s not playing because she’s going to Q-School but there is still Dubai and a lot of money so if I don’t play well and she plays well, she can beat me easily.”
Ciganda has enjoyed an outstanding rookie season with win in the Netherlands and China. She currently leads the Ladies European Tour stats for lowest stroke average with 70.5 as well as greens in regulation (79.59%) and total birdies (171) and is virtually assured of the Rookie of the Year title.
If she also finishes on top of the Order of Merit, she will match the feat of Laura Davies, the only player to win the LET’s Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year titles in the same year back in 1985. Ciganda would be approximately three months older than Davies when she won both titles 27 years ago were she to achieve the feat this December however she is trying not to think that far ahead.
Only three players have achieved a similar feat on the LPGA Tour: Nancy Lopez in 1978, Karrie Webb in 1996 and Jiyai Shin in 2009.
Defending champion Caroline Hedwall of Sweden was also a Rookie when she won the Hero Women’s Indian Open last year. So Ciganda will be hoping to repeat that.
There are only three more events left on the LET schedule for 2012. This week the Tour is in China for the Sanya Ladies Open, which will be followed by the Hero Indian Open and then Dubai Ladies Masters, the week after the Indian event.
This week Ciganda tees up at the Sanya Open. “I’m playing good and looking forward to this tournament and the next two. I’m going to take it easy and do some practice, some putting. (Here) I’ve been going to the pool and had a massage. I like to take it easy and then get ready.”
By Indian Sports News Network
