Leona Maguire claimed her second ever win on the LPGA Tour with a two-shot victory over Ariya Jutanugarn at the Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan on Sunday.
The Cavan woman finished with an eight-under 64 in her final round to seal the win on 21-under. Her round included shooting an incredle six-under for the final six holes.
During her post-victory press conference, Maguire was asked how much inspiration she has drawn from Rory McIlroy down the years.
"Rory has been a big inspiration for a lot of people," she said.
"The big one for me has been Padraig Harrington.
"I had a few really key up-and-downs this week especially on 17 both Friday and Saturday. Padraig showed me some shots, so I have to thank him for it. I got to spend some time with him, and yeah, all the Irish guys are great.
"I think it's nice being from that sort of close-knit community, Shane (Lowry) and Padraig, Paul McGinley. They're there to give me advice or give Dermott (Byrne, her caddie) advice whenever we need it, so it's nice to have that sort of camaraderie give the people at home more to cheer about.
"I potentially have to pay [Padraig Harrington] another trip this summer. Right before the British Open last year [I met him]. He's a little busy today at the U.S. Open, but I'll have to check in with him again and see if we can do it again."
25 September 2022; Leona Maguire of Ireland leaves the course with her caddie Dermot Byrne after finishing her round during round four of the KPMG Women's Irish Open Golf Championship at Dromoland Castle in Clare. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Maguire said that after the JM Eagle LA Championship in late April, she travelled home to Cavan for a fortnight.
"It was nice to sort of be at home and reset and recharge with family and friends and my team, my coaches, my physio, all of that," she said.
"I think I needed that. I was supposed to play Founders and skipped it. I think that was sort of a rest that I needed at that point in the season."
Twice the bridesmaid, finally the bride @MeijerLPGA 🏆🙌🏼
Delighted to get my 2nd Lpga win, Thank you to my team for all their hardwork and belief in me and to everyone for all the messages of support 💚🇮🇪
Happy Father’s Day dad 🥰 pic.twitter.com/yTUPa15hS2— Leona Maguire (@leona_maguire) June 18, 2023
As Maguire claimed victory on Sunday, Stephane Meadow finished tied for 13th in Michigan while Olivia Mehaffey tied for 12th at the Amundi German Masters.
"It was great to see Olivia (Mehaffey) playing really well this week in Germany," said Maguire.
"I was chatting to her early in the week. It was nice to have Stephanie (Meadow) there at the end, as well. We've all played a lot of golf together over the years and nice to see her put in a good week this week, as well.
"I feel like there's a lot of good girls coming up through the ranks. It was nice to see Beth Coulter get the leading qualifier at the British Am this week, as well, something that I've done in the past.
"I feel like there's a lot of girls coming up. Hopefully Lauren Walsh will be out here soon. I know Aine Donegan has qualified for the U.S. Open. That's going to be a really cool experience for her.
"I'm just trying to do what I do and hopefully it'll inspire a younger generation of Irish girls."
Leona Maguire Meijer LPGA Classic round four highlights
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