Meet Linnea Ström

  

 

Please introduce yourself at our
readers

I am 17 years old and live in
Gothenburg, Sweden. I live in a house close to my home club with my parents and
my older brother. My coach is Ola Lindgren. I go in a school named Katrinelund
and it is a athletic high school so I have golf in my schedule. When I am not
on the golf course or in the gym I like to shop and hang out with friends.

The Spanish International Ladies
Amateur was your best result?

Yes its one of my best results. But
I also won Polo golf junior classic in Florida in November 2013, Annika
Invitational Europe in 2012, we took the gold medal in the European Girls Team
championship 2012 and 2013.

What do you think about Spanish
tournament?

I think that the torunament was
great organized and all the volunteers were nice.

Do you liked the golf course?

The course was amazing and in a very
good condition. It was some tricky holes with a lot of trees and some holes by
the water, so it was fun with different holes.

Who was your best opponent?

Everyone were great opponents. But
both Shannon and Annabelle putted very well and its always tough to play
against someone that makes a lot of putts.

Do you play good golf in the wind?

Yes i have practiced a lot in the
wind so I am pretty good on controling my ball in the wind.

What do you like more: parklands or
Links courses?

I like both J

What is your favorite shot? Which
golf club do you prefere?

Its absolutely my driver, I love to
hit drives. I also like shots around 110 yards.

What do you like to improve in your
game?

I would like to improve my short
game and my putting, you can always get better on your putting.

What are your goals in golf?

My goals are to play on the LPGA and
to be the best player in the world.

What are your plans for this season?

My plans are to keep working on my
game and to have a lot of fun.

Now where do you will play?

I will play French Open in April.
And after that the tournaments in Sweden will start and then I will play some
International tournaments.

What do you think about Swedish players
and your team?

I think swedish players are so
sweet. And my team are all amazing. We have a lot of fun together and we are
always happy when someone plays good, very supportive. And we also have great
coaches.

What do you think about Italian
players? You’ve never played in Italy?

I think italian players are nice.
Especially the ones that I know, they are great girls. I have never played in
Italy, but I hope I will in the future.

Which your model of player?

I think I play more like a male than
a female.

by G. Rondolotti

- See more at:
http://www.fairwayladies.it/linnea-strom/#sthash.QXzHeKyn.dpuf

An Italian Gem - Terme di Galzignano

Radisson Blu Resort - Terme di Galzignano

A natural oasis of wellness and relaxation in the heart of Veneto. Situated in the most beautiful and suggestive area of the Euganean Hills, one of the most important thermal centers in Europe a few kilometres from Venice.

The Golf Club is an integral part of the services offered at the Terme di Galzignano Spa & Golf Resort Padua, along with its marvellous 350,000 sq. m. (86.5-acre) natural park and the absolute elegance of its three 4-star hotels, SPA, Wellness Center, indoor and outdoor thermal swimming pools and clay tennis courts. An ideal destination for a holiday focused on wellness, sports and relaxation, or for meetings and corporate events, all in a setting marked by excellence and with the opportunity to discover the cultural treasures of the nearby cities of art, among the most beautiful in Italy, such as Venice, Ferrara, Padua, Vicenza, Verona, the medieval village of Arquà Petrarca – where you will find the house where the poet Petrarch lived – and the nearby walled medieval towns of Este and Montagnana.

How to reach us:

•    5 international airports: Venice and Treviso approximately a 45-minute drive away; Verona 50 mins; Bologna 50 mins; Padua 15 mins (for private jets)
•    4 motorways with European links: A9 Milan – Switzerland; A22 Brenner - Germany; A23 Udine - Austria; A4 Trieste - Slovenia and Croatia;
•     Italian motorways: A4 Milano – Venezia (Milan – Venice), A13 Padova – Bologna (Padua – Bologna), A1 Firenze – Roma (Florence – Rome).
We’re 5 minutes away from the motorway exit for Terme Euganee (Euganean Spas)
•    Railway stations : Padua 15 mins, Terme Euganee (Euganean Spas Station) 5 mins.
From Terme Euganee Station Venice can be comfortably reached in 45 mins.

PACKAGE 2014

 Special Golf Clinic
The special package includes:
• 7 nights in Standard Double Room
• rich international buffet breakfast
• 3 courses dinners at the Resort restaurants (drinks excluded)
• 2 Green Fees at the Golf Club Terme di Galzignano www.galzignano.it
• 2 Green Fees at the Golf Club Montecchia www.golfmontecchia.it
• 1 Green Fee at the Golf Club Frassanelle www.golffrassanelle.it
• unlimited balls in the driving range
• welcome gift
• free use of meeting room for discussions and video projection of lessons on request and availability
• possibility of installation of video analyzers at driving range
• Free access to internal and external Thermal Pools at 36° and 29° and Fitness Room by Technogym
• Free access to Revital Wellness Center with unlimited use of sauna, sweat cave, whirlpool, aromatherapy shower 

Rates:
Double Room € 799,00
Double Room for Single use € 999,00
Free package for PRO with a minimum of 6 players
 

Tariffs are per person and include service and VAT at 10%.
On request, the following extra services are available:
• coffee time in the driving range & golfer’s lunches
• electric trolley and cart hire for players
• Club Fitting sessions at the golf club pro shop
• organization of private golf challenges valid for handicap

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan info@solgolfvacations.com

La Dolce Vita with Solgolf Vacations

                                                                   


Lecce Double Tree by Hilton Acaya Golf Resort - Apulia

DoubleTree by Hilton Acaya Golf Resort Lecce is situated between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, close to the historic and beautiful villages of Lecce and Acaya. Our golf course provides a challenging but scenic game for guests. The location features a wetland preserve adjacent to the hotel, a quiet Mediterranean countryside and an attentive staff to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

Begin your visit with our warm chocolate chip cookie. Continue to your guest room, where you’ll find comfortable bedding, a spacious work area and WiFi. Stroll our beautiful grounds and appreciate the scenery of our resort hotel. Dip into one of our refreshing pools, or drive ten minutes to the beaches of the Adriatic Sea.

After a good night’s sleep, start your day with a breakfast buffet at the Carlo V Breakfast Restaurant, complete with views of the golf course. Select from several options for outdoor dining in the Italian sunshine.

Plan a business, wedding or special event in our conference center that accommodates up to 600 people. Attendees will appreciate the quiet surroundings and views of the Italian countryside and golf course, while having access to modern technology.

With hospitality as warm as the freshly baked chocolate chip cookie we present to you on arrival, the staff welcomes you to an exciting stay in Lecce, Italy.

Highlights

• 18-hole par-71 course, elegantly redesigned by Hurdzan – Fry
• SPA Acaya with a whirlpool, calidarium, tiepidarium, frigidarium and chromo-therapy
• Indoor Acaya meeting facilities for up to 700 delegates; versatile layout solutions
• Next to the WWF natural reserve of Le Cesine and the Adriatic Sea, in 330 acres of olive groves
• 60 minutes south of the Brindisi Casale Airport; two hours south of the Bari Palese Airport
• Complimentary shuttle service to Lecce city center
• 
  

 What to do around here

At our DoubleTree by Hilton Acaya Golf Resort Lecce hotel, you’ll experience scenic Italian countryside only ten minutes from the beaches of the Adriatic Sea. Golf enthusiasts will be challenged by the 18-hole course with seven hectares of water features. Lovers of art will enjoy discovering the historic and artistic town of Lecce to view magnificent examples of baroque architecture. Take your camera to the sea towns of nearby Gallipoli and Otranto, both within 25 miles of our resort hotel. History comes alive in medieval Acaya, one of the few fortified villages left in the area. Nature lovers will appreciate the wetland preserve of Le Cesine, located adjacent to our hotel.

Golf

Within a context of rare natural beauty, surrounded by Mediterranean greenery , the golf course at the DoubleTree By Hilton Acaya Golf Resort, designed by the famous American study Hurdzan / Fry. The course, 18 holes - Par 71 , measuring 6,192 meters. It is  designed, in the constant search of the perfect harmony between the natural features of the land and the manner of the atmospherics  this urges players to use all fourteen irons and woods of the bag . The grass of the fairways , an American bermuda seed , strong and compact,  provides excellent flotation surface of the ball for a shot always clean and clear . Some of the 18 holes are lined with beautiful lakes and streams strategically placed , and you can see pools of water on holes 6, 7 , 8, 9, 10 . Spectacular waterfall that divides the hole 11 from 12 . The wind, "the most important and fascinating of hazards" , characterizes the course as if it were a Scottish links , and urges choose directions and parables in order to take advantage of the drifts . The mild climate makes it particularly enjoyable to play and stay in all months of the year.

 

 

 Anna Nordqvist of Sweden claimed her fourth LPGA Tour victory after carding a 5-under 67 in the final round of the Kia Classic. Nordqvist started two shots off the lead on Sunday and finished with six birdies and a bogey on the par 5 17th hole to top American Lizette Salas by one shot.

Nordqvist shot a first-round 73 on Thursday and was in a tie for 53rd after 18 holes. But the 27-year old shot back-toback 67’s on the weekend to close.

“I’m very excited,” said Nordqvist. “Just still can’t believe it. I was a couple shots back going into today and just told myself to give it a shot. I ended up making quite a bit of birdies out there. So obviously very happy and excited I’ve had two wins this season.”

It was Nordqvist’s second win in her four starts this season and joins Karrie Webb as the only two-time winners in 2014. After her win in Thailand last month, the Arizona State product said she was close to stepping away from the game in the offseason.

“I was pretty disappointed after last year, not going to lie,” said Nordqvist. “Felt like I played pretty good, but I knew I had to do a couple changes to play even better. It’s just great sitting here now. I’m proud of myself for taking some hard decisions. You know, I worked extremely hard this off‑season. They had to drag me off the range.”

Nordqvist changed swing coaches, clubs and apparel company leading into the 2014 season and the tough decisions have seemed to be paying off.

“You know, I think the decision was just it was either I was going to keep working on the it or just, you know, keep practicing or playing like I had been,” said Nordqvist. “But I think I really set my mind up because I wanted to be incontention and win tournaments.”

Nordqvist got started with a five-foot birdie on her first hole and picked up two more before making the turn on Nos. 8 and 9. She extended her lead to two shots with another birdie on the par 4 13th hole and to three shots on No. 14 – both with short putts.

Lexi Thompson made a run finishing the final round with birdies on four of her last six holes to get to 11-under par. She finished in solo third at 11-under par. “I actually didn’t think about a number going in,” said Thompson. “I obviously knew I had to get to double‑digits. I had to take one shot at a time and play the way I did the last three days. Pretty solid.” Nordqvist was in the second to last group of the day and closed with a two-foot par putt to stay at 13-under.

“Yeah, my hands were definitely shaking,” said Nordqvist of the final putt. “I knew if I could get that one in I was going to be in a good position. You never know. The greens are a little bit bumpy. And with the sun setting a little bit you seem to see every footprint and spike mark. I tried not this focus on that and just see the hole.”

Third-round leader Lizette Salas played in the final group with fellow American Cristie Kerr and approached the 18^th hole two shots behind Nordqvist. The Azusa, Calif. native sank a seven-foot birdie putt on the final hole, but it was too little too late.

“It feels good to have that finish after nine straight pars,” said Lizette. “I mean, all pars in the front. Just not getting it close and not striking the ball as well as the first three days…I hit the ball great off the tee today. The putts just wouldn’t roll in.”

- See more at: http://www.fairwayladies.it/anna-nordqvist-of-sweden-claimed-her-fourth-lpga-tour-victory/#sthash.75y2wfeq.dpuf

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden claimed her fourth LPGA Tour victory

By admin | 31 March 2014 | Filed under: LPGA

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden claimed her fourth LPGA Tour victory after carding a 5-under 67 in the final round of the Kia Classic. Nordqvist started two shots off the lead on Sunday and finished with six birdies and a bogey on the par 5 17th hole to top American Lizette Salas by one shot.
Nordqvist shot a first-round 73 on Thursday and was in a tie for 53rd after 18 holes. But the 27-year old shot back-toback 67’s on the weekend to close.
“I’m very excited,” said Nordqvist. “Just still can’t believe it. I was a couple shots back going into today and just told myself to give it a shot. I ended up making quite a bit of birdies out there. So obviously very happy and excited I’ve had two wins this season.”
It was Nordqvist’s second win in her four starts this season and joins Karrie Webb as the only two-time winners in 2014. After her win in Thailand last month, the Arizona State product said she was close to stepping away from the game in the offseason.
“I was pretty disappointed after last year, not going to lie,” said Nordqvist. “Felt like I played pretty good, but I knew I had to do a couple changes to play even better. It’s just great sitting here now. I’m proud of myself for taking some hard decisions. You know, I worked extremely hard this off‑season. They had to drag me off the range.”
Nordqvist changed swing coaches, clubs and apparel company leading into the 2014 season and the tough decisions have seemed to be paying off.
“You know, I think the decision was just it was either I was going to keep working on the it or just, you know, keep practicing or playing like I had been,” said Nordqvist. “But I think I really set my mind up because I wanted to be incontention and win tournaments.”
Nordqvist got started with a five-foot birdie on her first hole and picked up two more before making the turn on Nos. 8 and 9. She extended her lead to two shots with another birdie on the par 4 13th hole and to three shots on No. 14 – both with short putts.
Lexi Thompson made a run finishing the final round with birdies on four of her last six holes to get to 11-under par. She finished in solo third at 11-under par. “I actually didn’t think about a number going in,” said Thompson. “I obviously knew I had to get to double‑digits. I had to take one shot at a time and play the way I did the last three days. Pretty solid.” Nordqvist was in the second to last group of the day and closed with a two-foot par putt to stay at 13-under.
“Yeah, my hands were definitely shaking,” said Nordqvist of the final putt. “I knew if I could get that one in I was going to be in a good position. You never know. The greens are a little bit bumpy. And with the sun setting a little bit you seem to see every footprint and spike mark. I tried not this focus on that and just see the hole.”
Third-round leader Lizette Salas played in the final group with fellow American Cristie Kerr and approached the 18^th hole two shots behind Nordqvist. The Azusa, Calif. native sank a seven-foot birdie putt on the final hole, but it was too little too late.
“It feels good to have that finish after nine straight pars,” said Lizette. “I mean, all pars in the front. Just not getting it close and not striking the ball as well as the first three days…I hit the ball great off the tee today. The putts just wouldn’t roll in.”

- See more at: http://www.fairwayladies.it/anna-nordqvist-of-sweden-claimed-her-fourth-lpga-tour-victory/#sthash.75y2wfeq.dpuf

LOOK WHO IS COMING TO TOWN - AC MILAN JUNIOR CAMP

August 24th to 30th, 2014

What are Milan Junior Camps ?

Milan Junior Camps are the official vacations of AC Milan, where soccer and entertainment become the main protagonists. The Milan Junior Camps are organized in different locations not only in Italy but all around the world.  SOLGOLF VACATIONS is very pleased to be able to bring this prestigious MILAN SOCCER CAMP to LA FINCA GOLF & SPA RESORT (Alicante, Spain) in AUGUST 2014 , arrange your summer holiday with one of our hotel  packages at the LA FINCA GOLF & SPA RESORT and let the children enjoy the fun and games and improve their football skills with some of the best junior football trainers around.

 Registrations are open to all boys and girls from ages 6 to 17 years old.

Going to an AC Milan Junior Camp is a vacation that will  live on long in the memory of the participant it is an experiance that guarantees sports, a healthy environment, security, entertainment and education, all at the same time. All these ingredients are put together in order to teach high quality football.
AC Milan is the leading A series team among all clubs in Italy, with over 10 years of experience in this field of organising sports camps dedicated to young people.

The Milan Junior Camp offer includes:
- Football training with AC Milan experienced coaches
- Participation Diploma

PLUS: Kit Adidas Milan Junior Camp:
- 3 training T-shirts
- 2 shorts
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 gym bag
- 1 official A C Milan football

Dates and prices:
24 August to 30th August 2014


  6 - 11 sharing with parents 750 €  
  12 and over with parents 865 €        
  2 under 12 adjoining room 875€

Childrens prices above are with full board. Lunch is taken with participants and trainers of A C Milan camp. Prices include transfers to the football installations each day.

Without accommodation price with lunch includes transport to and from football installations and activities with the other participants.

350 EUROS
400 EUROS   with lunch  

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Susan - info@solgolfvacations.com 

WE ARE BACK !

After a break from "blogging" we are back!! So much has been happening with Solgolf Vacations but rest assured we are as committed as ever to bring you the best offers in Southern Spain, Italy and Turkey for your next golf holiday.

We have forged some new collaborations with some new resorts and are pleased to now offer 3 new resorts in Italy and 3 more on the beautiful island of Sicily.

Tenerife is a new Spanish location and in  the south of Andalucia we now offer a golf resort by the sea in Huelva.

With a few other locations on the cards it has been a busy time but exciting all the same.

Lets take a look at some of our new locations starting with Huelva in Southern Spain.


Hotel Nuevo Portil Golf ****
Located amidst one of the most famous golf courses in Andalusia and 150 meters from the idyllic beach of New Portil, one of the most beautiful of the coast of Huelva. The hotel, colonial design, it is the perfect alternative for those who want to escape the city without sacrificing the comforts urbanites. Comfort and luxury in the heart of nature. 

The hotel has a total of 69 rooms of which 8 are Junior Suites. They are all designed to meet the most demanding tastes, with exclusive details such International Channels, 4 pillows and bathrooms designed for enjoyment. They feel the client over time with unique amenities and details: Kit Female addressable shower, professional hair dryer, bar of soap with a unique shape and texture of stone to provide a gentle massage and exfoliate the skin. The Junior Suites offer the same benefits of the rooms but in a larger Standard surface. They consist of two distinct duplex stays and are equipped with a mini hi-fi. Among many other facilities, the hotel has room service and laundry 24 hours, babysitting service, non smoking rooms, spa with a range of advanced beauty and beauty treatments, spacious fitness center, swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath Business and Facilities, as the high-speed Internet access (WI-FI). They have recently introduced a shuttle service from the hotel to the beach.

 

 

GOLF 2014

Valid Period 14 February - 19 June & 7 September to 10 November 2014

Summer 2014 - Prices on request - 17 July to 20 August - Prices from 395 € per person for 7 nights / bed & breakfast, green fees extra.

Package Standard
1)  7 Nights + Bed/Breakfast + 5 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil Golf
     300,00 € Single 444 €

2)  7 Nights + Halfboard + 5 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil Golf
     420,00 € Single 564 €

3)  7 Nights + Halfboard + 3 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil + 2 Green Fees en El Rompido

       528,00 € Single 642 €

 

4)   7 Nights + Halfboard + 3 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil + 2 Green Fees at La Monacilla      458,00 € Single 602 €

Package Reduced

1)  5 Nights + Bed/Breakfast + 3 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil Golf
     210,00 € Single Suppl 105 €

2)  5 Nights + Half Board + 3 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil Golf
     295,00 € Single Suppl 105 €

3)  5 Nights + Halfboard + 2 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil + 1 Green Fee at El Rompido      320,00 € Single Suppl 105 €

Package Short

  

1)   3 Nights + Bed /Breakfast + 2 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil Golf
      135,00 € Single Suppl 75€

Package Night

1)    Night + Bed / Breakfast + 2 Green Fees at Nuevo Portil Golf Unlimited
       120,00 € Single Suppl 75,00 €

2)    Night + Halfboard + 2 Green Fees en Nuevo Portil Golf Unlimited
      150,00 € Single Suppl: 90,00 €

 

General Conditions:
 VAT 10% Included.
 Price per person/package. Except on Package night “Price per room/day”.
 Not available dates: 25/26 April. 13/14 June.
 Easter suplement: 30 €per night (17,18,19 april. Minimum 3 nights stay).

ADD YOUR ROUNDTRIP TRANSFER TO FARO AIRPORT FOR JUST 50 € PER PERSON INCLUDING GOLF BAGS!! AND TO SEVILLE AIRPORT JUST 60 €!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ME
Susan - info@solgolfvacations.com

Ladies European Tour (LET) - El tridente español de la Solheim Cup

Muñoz, Ciganda y Recari, protagonistas de una Solheim histórica para España.
Hay ocasiones en que la excelencia se impone a la estadística. Un ejemplo de ello es el momento actual del golf femenino español, en el que con apenas 40 licencias de jugadoras profesionales tres españolas están actualmente clasificadas para formar parte de la tropa de élite del equipo europeo que se enfrentará al estadounidense en la próxima Solheim Cup de Colorado en el mes de agosto.
Mientras en otros países con mayor proliferación de jugadoras ven inalcanzable esta cuota de representación entre las doce mejores europeas, Azahara Muñoz, Beatriz Recari y Carlota Ciganda han conseguido algo impensable durante las primeras ediciones de la Solheim, cuando suecas y británicas acaparaban los equipos. De hecho, en 1994 el combinado europeo estuvo compuesto por dos escocesas, cinco inglesas y tres suecas.
Durante aquella edición, Muñoz y Recari tenían siete años y Ciganda, cuatro. Ninguna de ellas sospechaba que 19 años después estarían llamadas a ser la referencia del golf español y europeo. Aunque solo Azahara Muñoz ya sabe lo que implica representar a todo un continente jugando al golf en la máxima competición por equipos del mundo, todas ellas pudieron impregnarse de este espíritu de camaradería y unión de fuerzas en la PING Junior Solheim Cup.
En un entrañable precedente, las tres coincidieron en la edición de 2005 disputada en Carmel, Indiana, en la que junto a Belén Mozo y Marta Silva se enfrentaron al combinado de juniors americanas. Azahara Muñoz lo recuerda con especial cariño, ya que días después vieron in situ la competición de las “mayores”. “Me acuerdo de la ceremonia de inauguración. ¡De repente me estaban saludando Annika Sorenstam y Suzanne Pettersen!”.
Además de disfrutar de sus ídolos en aquella época, la experiencia sirvió para saber lo que le espera al equipo europeo dentro de unas semanas en el Colorado Golf Club. “Me impresionó bastante el ambiente que había con el público. Impone un poco todo lo que chillan. Me hace ilusión disputar esta Solheim por la diferencia que va a suponer respecto a jugar en casa. Ya sabemos cómo se va a comportar el público y por eso hay que ser fuerte”, reflexiona Azahara.

Azahara Muñoz, en la Solheim Cup 2011

En este sentido, ante el reto añadido de jugar fuera de casa, la veterana Muñoz cree que Beatriz Recari será una pieza fundamental del equipo capitaneado por Liselotte Neumann. “No ha jugado mucho en equipos pero eso no va a importar. Lleva un año increíble con un comienzo espectacular y va a ser muy importante para el equipo, sobre todo porque mentalmente es muy fuerte y no le va a afectar absolutamente nada lo de jugar en América con el público en contra”.
La jugadora navarra tenía la espina clavada de no haberse clasificado para la edición del 2011 a pesar de haber ganado en el LPGA Tour un año antes de la Solheim Cup de Killeen Castle. La constancia y el esfuerzo definen su día a día y desde esa dolorosa ausencia se puso manos a la obra para que no le volviera a ocurrir lo mismo. “Fue decepcionante no entrar en el equipo hace dos años, pero lo consideré algo que me haría más fuerte. Desde entonces, mi objetivo ha sido formar parte del equipo a través de los Rolex Rankings (el ranking mundial femenino) y ahora mismo estoy dentro”, explica Recari. El trabajo dio sus frutos y Recari consiguió el pasado mes de marzo su segundo torneo en Estados Unidos, el Kia Classic, y ayer mismo se impuso en el Marathon Classic, una victoria con sabor a Solheim ante Paula Creamer que le permite cumplir su objetivo. “Los últimos dos días de torneo fueron como la Solheim Cup. Ella es una veterana de la Solheim y yo seré novata. Fue genial jugar con ella porque es muy regular. Aunque la eche al rough con el driver y no tenga un tiro claro, termina dejándola cerca de la bandera. El torneo tuvo sabor a match-play y creo que fue genial para las dos. Por así decirlo, era como si estuviéramos tanteándonos”.

Beatriz Recari, en foto de archivo

Entre las veteranas de la competición hay mucha ilusión respecto a lo que van a aportar las dos españolas debutantes y confían en la fortaleza del equipo que luchará por mantener la copa ganada en la última edición. De momento están clasificadas tres novatas (Ciganda, Recari y la alemana Caroline Masson) por lo que se presupone que las elecciones de la capitana acabarán en manos de jugadoras más experimentadas. “Durante algunos torneos del LPGA he hablado con jugadoras como Suzanne Pettersen y Catriona Matthew de lo bien que lo están haciendo las nuevas jugadoras y de lo fuerte que será el equipo junto a las cuatro elegidas por la capitana”, explica Azahara.
Para la malagueña, la de este año será una edición especial porque podrá disputarla junto a su amiga Carlota Ciganda. Crecieron jugando y compitiendo juntas, formando un foursome letal que no conoce la derrota en las muchas veces que representaron a España en su época amateur. La pregunta que se hacían mutuamente según iban creciendo y destacando por fin obtiene la respuesta deseada: “¿Te imaginas poder jugar juntas en la Solheim?”. Tras el último gran año de ambas no será necesario seguir fantaseando. La presencia de ambas es ya una realidad.
Nadie mejor que Azahara Muñoz para explicar el valor que puede aportar Carlota Ciganda al equipo europeo. “Es buenísima en match play. Últimamente está disfrutando más de los torneos en Estados Unidos y le va a encantar la situación. Siempre juega bien en equipo. En los Campeonatos de Europa no se juegan fourballs, pero hemos sido pareja histórica de foursomes y estamos invictas. Jugar a su lado es un sueño. Algo increíble”.

Carlota Ciganda, en el reciente Open de España femenino - Madrid 2020

Ciganda no puede evitar sonreír cuando habla de su gran amiga. “Es una gran jugadora, muy completa en todos los aspectos, pero si por algo destaca es por su cabeza. Va siempre centradísima. De tee a green no falla nada y además patea bien. Por eso está entre las 25 mejores del mundo”, explica la navarra, que también tiene palabras elogiosas para la otra “punta” del tridente español. “De Beatriz es increíble su capacidad de trabajo, las horas que dedica al entrenamiento. Hacía tiempo que no la veía jugar y este año he visto que ha ganado distancia y que también tiene un juego corto espectacular", añade la número 1 del Ladies European Tour en 2012.
Cauta siempre, consciente de la importancia de ir paso a paso en el mundo del golf, Carlota tiene prácticamente asegurado su puesto entre las doce componentes del equipo del viejo continente gracias a sus tres victorias en el Ladies European Tour en apenas un año. Hace unas semanas fue una de las integrantes de la expedición europea a Colorado Golf Club junto a otras jugadoras como Gwladys Nocera, Charley Hull, Maria Hjorth o Caroline Hedwall. “Estuvimos entrenando un par de días el campo, tomando notas con los caddies y con la capitana y Annika Sorenstam. Había un ambiente muy relajado. Hicimos una barbacoa todos juntos y me encantó escuchar a las veteranas contando anécdotas de la Solheim y de las americanas”.
Y ante la responsabilidad de jugar contra las mejores jugadoras americanas del mundo en suelo estadounidense, Ciganda no se encoge. Todo lo contrario. “Me motiva mucho debutar en América con el público de allí. Quiero que haya muchísima gente; cuanta más, mejor. Y para el domingo, sería genial poder enfrentarme a Paula Creamer o Stacy Lewis”. Sus palabras reflejan el sentir general de las tres españolas presentes en Colorado que harán de esta Solheim Cup 2013 una edición histórica para nuestro paíLadies European Tour (LET) - El tridente español de la Solheim Cup