Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, April 29, 2026.– Carlota Ciganda is one of the most experienced players in the field of the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba. At 35 years old, the Spaniard already knows what it means to win in Mexico, having celebrated her title with the traditional charro hat at the Lorena Invitational in 2016.
In 2025, Ciganda finished ninth at Mayakoba with a solid performance, posting a 285 (-3). “Yes, it’s always a pleasure to come here. I love coming to a country where my language, Spanish, is spoken. People are very welcoming and kind, and I always enjoy being in Mexico. I think it’s an excellent place, with a magnificent golf course and a great hotel. I came last year and played very well. I’m excited to start tomorrow,” said the golfer, currently ranked No. 35 in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings, who also acknowledged that wind is one of the most challenging factors at El Camaleón Golf Course.
Since beginning her LPGA career in 2012, Ciganda has won three titles on tour, recorded 61 top-10 finishes, and earned more than $10 million, along with experiencing setbacks that have not stopped her long journey.
“I think it’s a way of life. What I’m a bit addicted to is the adrenaline that competition gives you when you go out there and feel those nerves. That’s what keeps motivating me. I also really enjoy the process—waking up every day and continuing to improve. I think you can always keep learning, and that’s what I try to do.”
Recently, Jon Rahm won a LIV Golf event in Mexico, something that makes Ciganda proud of the level Spanish golf is showing. “What Jon Rahm is doing is incredible. In fact, the top three were Spanish, with David Puig and José Luis Ballester, and I watched the final day. I think Spain has great players, and I love seeing them at the top. In general, I follow all Spanish sports, and I enjoy seeing athletes succeed,” said the three-time Olympian for Spain (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, and Paris 2024).
This season, Ciganda has competed in six tournaments, making four cuts. Her best result was a ninth-place finish at the Aramco Championship, along with a 12th-place finish last week at the Chevron Championship, the first Major of the year.
Ciganda also expressed her admiration for Lorena Ochoa as a global golf icon and mentioned that she has a close relationship with Gaby López after many years competing together on tour.
“I think in the end Mexico and Spain are like brothers. Whenever I come here, I feel at home,” said the golfer from Pamplona.
