The last time Carlota Ciganda and Mel Reid were paired together on the European Solheim Cup Team was the day-two fourball matches in 2017. Teaming up in the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational at Midland Country Club, the duo showcased their strength in a team event with a bogey-free, 4-under par 66 on Wednesday.
“I trust her 200 percent,” said Ciganda, a four-time Team Europe member. “We have this chemistry that I don’t think many players have. You can see some great names, great players out here, but I don’t know if they know each other that well or have that chemistry. Even if you miss a shot, miss a putt, it’s what you need in this kind of format, especially in foursomes.
“We love playing with each other. We played in Solheim Cup. We are just a great pairing. And we did our best. Very happy. I’m very excited about today.”
A pair of familiar faces to the Team USA side of the Solheim Cup in Ally Ewing and Megan Khang completed the foursome. The Spaniard and Englishwoman have the utmost respect for their fellow competitors but don’t let that fool you into thinking that there wasn’t a look in their eye like that of a Solheim Cup Sunday.
“They’re really good girls,” said Reid, a three-time Team Europe member. “Both of them are two of probably the nicest people out here on Tour.
“We would have beaten them probably 4-and-3 today, so that would’ve been nice for Solheim. Just want to throw that in there. We’ve always got tomorrow, too,” Reid added with a grin.
Following alternate shot on Wednesday, Ciganda and Reid now turn their attention to fourball.
“It is different for sure,” Ciganda said. “Tomorrow, having two opportunities all the time, we can obviously make more birdies, and I think having two balls in play is great. Try to hit as many greens and have as many chances to make birdies. Play with Mel, I think we can make a lot.
“It was a great start, try to do the same tomorrow. We are ready to keep making birdies.”
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