Ciganda's Dramatic Victory at Blythefield
Carlota Ciganda, the 35-year-old Spanish golfer, clinched a stunning victory at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give on June 15 at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan. Ciganda birdied the final two holes, securing her first LPGA Tour win in over eight and a half years. Her performance on the par-4 17th, where she hit to within a foot for a birdie, and a 4-foot comebacker on the par-5 18th to avoid a playoff with Hye-Jin Choi, marked a triumphant return to form.
'It feels amazing, obviously, after all these years,' Ciganda expressed after her win. 'I knew I could do it, but obviously once the years keep going and you start getting older you start doubting yourself.' Her final round score of 5-under 67, completing the tournament at 16-under 272, showcased her resilience on the tree-lined course.
Competitive Field and Final Standings
The tournament saw intense competition, with six players tied for the lead at 11-under par heading into the final round. Among them was fan-favorite Lexi Thompson, who faltered with two late bogeys, finishing tied for fourth at 13-under alongside Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Celine Boutier. Hye-Jin Choi came in second at 15-under, while Sei Young Lee secured third place at 14-under.
Ciganda's consistent play was evident as she shot four straight rounds in the 60s, a testament to her focus and patience. 'I'm proud of myself for staying in the moment and being patient throughout the weekend, it leaves a great feeling and I'm happy to get the win,' she noted, reflecting on her mental strength during the high-stakes final day.
The leaderboard also featured strong performances from Ayaka Iwai, Karis Davidson, and Bronte Law, who tied for seventh at 12-under, and Megan Khang, who finished tenth at 11-under. The crowded leaderboard underscored the competitive nature of the event, making Ciganda's victory even more significant.
A Milestone in Ciganda's Career
This victory marks a significant milestone for Ciganda, who has been a prominent figure on the LPGA Tour but had not secured a title since her last win over eight years ago. Her perseverance paid off in Michigan, where she navigated a challenging field and course conditions to emerge victorious. The win not only boosts her confidence but also adds valuable points to her standing, with 500 points awarded for the first-place finish.
The Meijer LPGA Classic, known for its charitable impact through the Simply Give program, provided the perfect backdrop for Ciganda's comeback story. As she celebrated her long-awaited triumph, the golfing community recognized her determination and skill, cementing her place among the tour's elite players once again.