Carlota Ciganda wins money race, Rookie of the Year title
Spanish Carlota Ciganda has won the ISPS Handa Order of Merit 2012 and the Rookie of the Year title, becoming the first player, after English Laura Davies, to win the two coveted accolades
in a single year.
It took Ciganda a great deal of effort throughout the 2012 LET (Ladies European Tour) season. The Spanish star won two tournaments and recorded another 9 top-10 finishes—something that helped
her tighten her grip on the number one position in the ISPS Handa Order of Merit.
Ciganda faced tough resistance from German Caroline Masson who stood second in the ISPS Handa Order of Merit till the end of the year.
Before the start of the season-ending Omega Dubai Ladies Masters 2012, it seemed the Spanish golfer could be knocked off because Masson needed a spot inside the top 3, and a cut by Ciganda,
to win the money battle.
However, Ciganda proved her mettle once again, finishing the tournament tied for the 10th position along with five other contenders.
The stellar finish earned her 8,500 euro, which put more distance between her and Masson.
Sharing her thoughts during the award-giving ceremony on Saturday, Ciganda said that she is more than happy to grab the two prestigious titles. She said it was more than she ever thought,
given her little experience compared with big names on the Tour.
“It’s an honour to win the ISPS Handa Order of Merit as a rookie and I’m very happy,” she said.
She heaped praise on Laura Davies, saying she has been heavily inspired by the English veteran and she learnt a lot watching her play on the course. “It’s a real privilege to follow Laura
Davies in achieving this rare double”.
When the LET titan won the 2012 Deloitte Ladies Open early in the year, only a few had thought that she would be able to maintain her momentum. Ciganda made a fiery start to her 2012 campaign
as she displayed a stunning performance at the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open, finishing third after posting a massive 290.
The award-winning star notched up her second title of the season at China Suzhou Taihu Open 2012.
Since Masson did not take part in the Hero Women’s Indian Open 2012—the second last tournament of the season—Ciganda fully capitalised on her absence and further cemented her position on the
money list by finishing tied for the fourth position.
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