It's been a day to remember for Leona Maguire. The Cavan golfer became the first Irish golfer to participate in the Solheim Cup.She sank some big putts in the process.
It's been a break-out season for Maguire that peaked with her selection for the biggest match play tournament in women's golf. The world #45 was selected to play with English golfer Mel Reid to take on the Korda sisters, Nelly and Jessica in the morning foursomes. Considering Nelly is currently world #1, and the Korda sisters destroyed the competition in the 2019 Solheim Cup, it was truly a baptism of fire for Maguire.
However, Leona Maguire showed nerves of steel throughout the round, starting from her opening tee shot, which split the fairway.
Leona's sister Lisa tweeted a video of the historic tee shot.
Incredible start to the @SolheimCupEuro, dreams do come true @leona_maguire 🇮🇪🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/w2VpdJ28b5
— Lisa Maguire (@Lisa_Maguire_) September 4, 2021
Maguire was impressive throughout the round and was unlucky not to sink a chip from the bunker on 12.
Thinking that @leona_maguire is going to draw a lot more kiddos into golf in Ireland. Class act. pic.twitter.com/pcsK1kzVd7
— Aaron McAllorum (@AaronMcAllorum) September 4, 2021
Her putting was rock-solid as herself and Reid grinded out a 1 Up win in the early session. Leona Maguire had pressure-filled four-footer to win the foursome, and she nailed it. Her fistpump after sinking the putt showed just how much it meant to her. Despite a rauco9us partisan crowd in Toledo, Ohio, Europe finished the morning up 3 1/2 to 1/2
A winning putt from the first Irishwoman to play in a #SolheimCup, @leona_maguire!👏
Watch now on @GolfChannel! pic.twitter.com/aoXRbG9mLS— LPGA (@LPGA) September 4, 2021
Maguire and Reid were paired together for the afternoon's fourball.
READ HERE: Leona Maguire Lands Major Payday With Top 10 US Open Finish
Who Is Leona Maguire?
Leona Maguire is a 26-year-old golfer from Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. She's arguably Ireland's greatest female golfer. She's had a tremendous season in 2021, and is currently ranked #45 in the world. She studied at Duke University. Her career earnings are $$974,890. She's had five top 10s this season and has earned nearly $800,000.