The moment has finally arrived! Leona Maguire has won her first ever LPGA title tonight, taking home the Drive On Championship in Florida in convincing fashion. She is the first Irishwoman to win an event on the tour.
The Cavan woman entered today's final round in a share of the lead, meaning the tournament was far from secured. However, Maguire's remarkable play meant that she quickly became the strong favourite to take home the crown.
Leona Maguire wins first LPGA title
The 27-year old took the lead after some beautiful birdies in the opening few holes, including here on the eighth hole after a stunning approach shot in difficult conditions.
Could someone explain how @leona_maguire finished with a birdie from the pine straw? 😯
The Irishwoman has the solo lead at -15 after 8 holes!
Tune in to @peacockTV NOW to watch the final round! ➡️ https://t.co/2XjVno4TUS pic.twitter.com/lUXofYhBUd— LPGA (@LPGA) February 5, 2022
Her shot onto the green in the 11th was equally as impressive, setting up a short putt for yet another birdie.
A brilliant approach ➡️ birdie putt ✌️@leona_maguire now leads by 3⃣ after after 11 holes in the final round of the #DriveOn Championship! pic.twitter.com/Jc0mxTsu1I
— LPGA (@LPGA) February 5, 2022
Absolutely immense play under serious pressure.
READ HERE: Leona Maguire Lands Major Payday With Top 10 US Open Finish
Maguire was well in control from here, keeping herself at arms length from the rest of the field. By the time she reached the closing stages of her round, there seemed little doubt that she was on course for victory.
Her lead was only extended as the evening went on, and carrying a five shot lead into the final two holes, the trophy looked to be in the bag.
Seventh birdie of the day. In case you lost count. 😳 @leona_maguire leads by five with two holes left.
Watch on @SkySportsGolf if you're in Ireland and @peacockTV if you're in the U.S. ➡️ https://t.co/xpA7yXqGZT pic.twitter.com/a31ax93eSR— LPGA (@LPGA) February 5, 2022
So proved to be the case, with the Irishwoman finishing four shots clear of the field.
You could certainly see what it meant to her.
The putt that sealed the deal. 🏆 @leona_maguire becomes a @ROLEX First-Time Winner at the LPGA #DriveOn Championship! pic.twitter.com/BfMcmYP5XX
— LPGA (@LPGA) February 5, 2022
The LPGA Tour’s first Irish champion! 🇮🇪
Leona Maguire wins the LPGA #DriveOn Championship! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WgqXJFMUCh— LPGA (@LPGA) February 5, 2022
A brilliant achievement.
Speaking after the win was confirmed, Maguire said she hoped this victory would inspire a new generation of female golfers in Ireland.
It's a bit surreal. It's been 17 years in the making and you're just wondering if it's ever going to happen. I'm just really proud of how I played all week...
It's huge for Irish golf. There was never an Irish player on the tour, never mind a winner.
Hopefully there is a lot of people watching at home tonight with big smiles on their faces, and little girls watching hoping that one day they can hole a putt like that too.
What a star.
One of the most decorated amateur golfers in the history of the game, this marks her first victory on the LPGA tour since she turned pro back in 2018. She will also receive a cheque for $225,000 to go along with her first place trophy.
This may be the first for Leona Maguire, but you certainly get the feeling that it won't be her last LPGA victory...
SEE ALSO: Mack Hansen 'Couldn't Be Prouder To Be Irish' After Stunning Six Nations Debut
