She is the first to admit that she is not an early riser and when her alarm went off this morning at 5 a.m. ET, Carlota Ciganda would normally want to press snooze. But today was different.

“I’m Spanish, so Spanish people like to sleep in and start the day a little later than a 7:38 tee time,” said Ciganda, who hit 16 greens en route to a bogey-free, 7-under 65. “Just have to do what you have to do. I was pretty awake today. Had a nice dinner, slept good and was ready to go.”

To add the relaxed state of play for Ciganda, she was paired with Dame Laura Davies. She not only looks up to the four-time major champion and 20-time winner as a professional, but admires Davies’ creativity.

“I love playing with her. Her talent is unbelievable, like everything she does with her different shots. Lots of imagination,” Ciganda said. “I think she can hit shots no one out here can hit, so I have a lot of respect and I think she’s just so good for the Tour. She shot 3-under, no bogeys. It’s just pure talent.”

Cheyenne Knight Avoids Winter Storm in Texas to Stay Sharp in Phoenix

Making her third cut in three events to start the 2021 LPGA Tour season, Cheyenne Knight shot -2 on Friday at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. She might have experienced different luck if not for narrowly missing the winter storm that swept through Texas in late February to head West to practice.

“I saw the terrible weather coming and I was going to go out to Scottsdale to see my short game coach Stan Utley to begin with, so I just left a few days early and hung out with one of my former teammates, [2020 Epson Tour graduate] Janie Jackson,” said Knight, who is tied for 11th at -3. “Got to go out to Silverleaf Country Club. That was my first time being out there, so it was amazing because I wouldn't have had an opportunity to practice at home if I stayed there, no indoor [facilities] or anything.”

Not only was getting to practice helpful for Knight’s game but seeing Utley who she has known since she was 12 also played an integral role.

“The last time I saw him was in 2019 right before the Founders,” said Knight. “We just cleaned up some stuff and just shallowing out my chipping motion, and with my putting just kind of like some setup up stuff. It was good to see him.”

Early Wake-Up Call Jolts Sleepy Ciganda to 7-Under 65

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