‘It would be a dream to win here again’: Carlota Ciganda leads on the eve of the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España presented by Oysho

26 Nov

By Dacil
/ Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España, News

The reigning champion returns to the scene of her triumph as the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España presented by Oysho prepares to tee off tomorrow
Seventy-five players, including 15 Spaniards, are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the European grand final that will crown the champion on Sunday

The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España presented by Oysho 2025 is set to tee off tomorrow at the Real Guadalhorce Golf Club after an intense day of preparation, anticipation and nerves ahead of four days of top-level golf in Malaga. The Ladies European Tour final, which takes place from 27 to 30 November, brings together the 64 best players of the year, as well as 11 guests and a particularly competitive group of Spanish players, in a tournament that will decide not only the Open champion, but also the new number one in Europe.

The first big voice of the day was that of Carlota Ciganda, the reigning champion and two-time Open winner, who returns to the scene of her 2024 triumph with very positive feelings: “I’m happy to be back here. Good memories. I really like playing in the south, Andalusia, the people, and I like the course. Obviously, after last year, I’m excited to be back and I’m really looking forward to the week.‘ She was calm about how she is approaching this edition: ’I’m calm. I’ll try to do my best and prepare well for the course. If I do that, things will turn out well. It would be a dream to win here again.‘ She also analysed a star-studded field: ’There are some very good players. Mimi Rhodes and Shannon Tan are playing for the Order of Merit and people are getting better and better prepared. There are sure to be some low scores.‘ Her final message was for the fans: ’Come along, the weather is wonderful and it’s great to see the girls playing here. Enjoy Andalusia.”

Another two-time champion of the tournament and a major figure this week, Azahara Muñoz, also shared her thoughts after completing her final practice rounds. The Malaga native, who aspires to become the first three-time champion of the Open, highlighted the demanding nature of the course: ‘You have to play pretty well, fairways and greens, but above all, you have to hit the greens.’ Accustomed to competing on the world’s best stages, Azahara emphasises the level of the European circuit in this final stretch of the season: “The level is rising, in general it is rising all over the world. In Europe, there are many girls playing at a spectacular level and all the big names are already playing. The fact that Mimi and Shannon are competing for the Order of Merit is going to make for a great show.‘ With the Malaga crowd behind them, her invitation is clear: ’Come along, the best in Europe are here, many Spanish players, a spectacular course and great weather. Come and enjoy yourselves and watch us play.”

The third star of the day was local favourite Ana Peláez, one of the most beloved players among Malaga fans, who returns home with renewed enthusiasm: ‘Like every year, I come back with great excitement and happiness to be here and to be able to share this week with everyone who comes to the tournament.’ After her recent victory, she says she is in the right frame of mind for a final of this calibre: ‘Every week is different, but I come here with the knowledge I have accumulated.’ Regarding the level of the field, she agrees with her teammates: “I think it makes it more enjoyable and more fun. Every player wants to play in a tournament where the title is contested among the best in the world.‘ And, as always, Ana left a warm and direct message for the public: ’If you’ve never experienced a day of golf, this is the perfect setting. It’s a very comfortable course, there are many holes and you can watch a lot of games. Guadalhorce is close to the city, so I encourage everyone to come.”

The day also provided an opportunity to see the excellent condition of the Real Guadalhorce Golf Club, whose course once again offers a comprehensive technical challenge. Fast greens, delicate approach areas and a design that rewards strategy promise an open competition full of alternatives in the decisive stages. The Malaga venue, which witnessed Ciganda’s victory last year, reaffirms itself as the ideal setting to crown the new Open champion.

With 27 nationalities represented, 15 Spaniards, 16 rookies, 31 LET winners and a total of 75 victories on the circuit, the line-up leaves no room for doubt: this Ladies European Tour final features one of the best fields of the year. The battle for the Order of Merit, which will be decided exclusively between Shannon Tan and Mimi Rhodes, adds an extra incentive to a week that promises excitement from the very first tee shot.

Malaga is ready. Guadalhorce is ready. And from tomorrow at 10:15 a.m., the best women’s golf in Europe will take centre stage in Andalusia and on the Costa del Sol.

The latest news on the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España presented by Oysho can be followed on the website openfemenino.com, the Twitter account @Openfemenino, the Instagram account @spanishopen and the Facebook page @openfemenino. It is sponsored by Andalucía and Costa del Sol as main sponsors, together with Oysho as naming partner and textile sponsor of the tournament. Malaga City Council, Mahou, Solán de Cabras, Hisúmer Cincoro, Audi Safamotor, Best Garden, Carrasco Ibéricos, Essse Café, Greenmowers, Kyocera, PING, Reale and Swing Line are also among the key supporters of the tournament. The LET, RFEG, RFGA, Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf y Deporte & Business are collaborating in its organisation.