The LPGA Tour returns to Mexican soil for the first time since 2017 with the celebration of the MEXICO Riviera Maya Open, a tournament that marks the start of a demanding stretch of six consecutive weeks of play. The Latin event also serves as the prelude to the second Major of the season. Next week, the U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally takes place. A good reality check to see how some of the favourites are doing. Rio Takeda, a double winner this season, and Charley Hull are some of the big names in the event.
The four Spanish players with playing rights on the North American circuit are present. Carlota Ciganda, Azahara Muñoz, Fátima Fernández Cano, and Julia López will tee off this Thursday at the El Camaleón Golf Club in Mayakoba, a course well-known to Spanish golf fans and hosting an LPGA event for the first time in history.
A course with a Spanish aroma and flavour. Jon Rahm and Eugenio López Chacarra, among others, made their PGA Tour debut on this course. Designed by Greg Norman and opened in 2004, the course has been a venue for 16 years of the PGA Tour, hosting the World Wide Technology Championship until three seasons ago. In recent years, it has been the scene of LIV Golf events and, as we say, this week it hosts an LPGA Tour event for the first time.
But if anyone is excited about the circuit’s return to Mexico, it’s Carlota Ciganda. In these lands, she achieved her second and last victory on the North American circuit. Nine years have passed since that triumph. Too many, perhaps. Carlota has shown spectacular consistency over the years, but she wants to taste victory again.
In the tournament preview, she is excited to return to the country where she won her second LPGA title: “I won in Mexico City, it was my second victory on the LPGA a few years ago. I have very fond memories of that. There’s always a great atmosphere when you come to this country. I’m very happy and eager to repeat.”
Champion in Mexico, but a debutant in Mayakoba. It’s Carlota’s first time visiting this course. Undoubtedly, its views, surroundings, and, of course, the 7th hole with the cenotes are impressive. The Navarrese has her strategy clear: “It’s a par 5, and I think it’s going to be very difficult to reach in two. For me, probably the best thing is to play a 3-wood or maybe a driver that falls short of the cave. Then I’ll likely lay up or try to get closer to the green with one more shot. I find everything they have here very beautiful, with the cenotes, the sea… everything is spectacular. It’s very special to see that as part of the golf course.”
Beyond the famous hole, Carlota knows where the keys lie to repeat the feat: “This week it’s very important to keep the ball in play. I think the wind is going to be the biggest challenge. The greens are also quite small, so you’re going to miss some, and I think the short game and putting are going to be key. But yes, here a score under par, like -3 on the day, is a very good round.”
The Spaniard will not be alone this week, it should be remembered that the course is in Playa del Carmen and about 56 kilometres south of Cancún. A paradisiacal setting that her family doesn’t want to miss either: “My parents have just arrived, so I’m excited to have them here in Mexico and to share a great week all together.” Mexico, a course with a long Spanish history and the family reunited. Is there a better setting to triumph again?
