Team USA withstood a final-day fightback from Team Europe to claim victory and win the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017. One of the many talking points is Leona Maguire's omission across the weekend.
USA captain Stacy Lewis' side took a 10-6 advantage into the final day at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia.
Heading into Sunday's singles, Europe faced an uphill task to claw back the lead USA had built up over the previous two days.
But England's Charley Hull gave Europe a perfect start in the opening match as she convincingly defeated world number one Nelly Korda 6 and 4.
Ireland's Leona Maguire was competing in her 3rd Solheim Cup after being named the 'MVP' when they won in the US in 2021.
Having played a key role in Europe's Solheim retainment of the trophy in Spain last year, Maguire was in great form again in the final round singles as she defeated Ally Ewing 4&3.
Match play specialist @leona_maguire wins Match 27 😮💨
Tune in on @NBC pic.twitter.com/YdHLqzoSbL— LPGA (@LPGA) September 15, 2024
The majority of the remaining matches edged the way of the home side as they were able to close out the 15.5-12.5 victory.
But it was the lack of time on the course that displeased the Cavan native.
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Leona Maguire Vents Frustrations After Captain's Snubs Backfire
Having performed so well in Spain 12 months ago, you would've felt Maguire's involvement would be key to Europe's chances in Virginia.
But that wasn't the case as European captain Suzann Pettersen only played her in one of the sessions during Friday and Saturday's play.
The decision clearly frustrated Maguire, speaking to reporters following her final round victory, she felt she had plenty to prove going into the singles:
I felt like I played great golf today, I feel like I’ve been playing really great golf all week in practice, and it was a bitter pill to swallow to be sat out for as many sessions as I was, but I thought I got a point to prove today, and I love the Solheim Cup.
I don’t need any extra motivation to go out and try to win my point, but yeah, there probably was a little bit extra there, not going to lie.
But ultimately it’s what’s best for the team this week, and I would have loved the opportunity to try and deliver more points for the team, but I did what I could today.
Form is temporary, class is permanent
💪🏼🇪🇺 🦁 https://t.co/xRAYLx15mW— Leona Maguire (@leona_maguire) September 15, 2024
Maguire is currently ranked 35th in the world but she is feared as one of the best match-play players in Europe. It's no surprise she was frustrated after the tournament, saying:
She didn’t give much reason, to be honest, the feeling I got was that I was a little bit too short and didn’t make enough birdies, but I think proved today there’s more than one way to skin a cat, and I think I made plenty of birdies today.
Captain’s decision. I’m a team player, and all I could do today was come out and win my point, and that’s what I did.”
Anyone else have a ‘gut feeling’ this was gonna happen? 👀 @leona_maguire https://t.co/zJqM42A3ku
— Odhran Maguire (@OdhranMaguire1) September 15, 2024
Maguire is never short of support on the course and a post from her brother on 'X' proved that.
