Following her return to competitive action last week at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, Leona Maguire is full of confidence heading to the first major of the year the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon where 144 players from 32 countries will be vying for the title.
The Cavan native, who has been competing in various events around Ireland during the lockdown to keep her competitive juices flowing finished in T18 place at the Renaissance Club last week in difficult conditions and is looking forward to the challenge of Royal Troon.
“I was really happy with how I played last week at Renaissance, it was great to be in action on the LPGA and I’m excited to have another week of links golf coming up. All the events I played over the last few weeks at home helped me to sharpen my game before heading over here and the links practice especially stood me in good stead.”
Maguire had to stay focussed and patient last week. as tough scoring conditions meant that only 15 players finished the tournament under par and having returned rounds of 72, 72, 71 and 70 she is understandably positive about her game.
“The conditions were tough last week and I really had to stay patient out there, the course was running firm and fast and I had to really rely on my short game around the greens to put some nice rounds together. Overall I think that my game is trending in the right direction moving into a major week this week.”
As for the challenge that lies ahead this week, Maguire perhaps has an advantage of much of the field having played competitively at Royal Troon before and she knows what to expect from the South Ayrshire links. It’s not going to be easy, but then it is the first Major of the year!
“Royal Troon is an excellent golf course and a place that I really enjoy competing at. I used to play the Helen Holm Scottish Amateur here, winning in 2009 so it is definitely somewhere that suits my game and where I feel comfortable competing. I think the key to this week will be lots of patience, the course is in great condition and the greens are running nicely.
“The rough is thick in places so there will definitely be a premium on hitting fairways but I think that plays to the strengths of my game. Overall, I’m really looking forward to getting started and playing in my first major of 2020.”
Leona will get her Major quest under way at 8:47am on Thursday morning playing with Annie Park (USA) and Maria Fassi (MEX).
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