Pádraig Harrington has heaped praise on Leona Maguire following her second LPGA Tour title last weekend saying she deserves success given how hard she works at her game.
Maguire shot a final round 64 to clinch the Meijer LPGA Classic on Sunday and in her winner’s interview she singled out Harrington as a huge source of inspiration.
“The big one for me has been Padraig Harrington I said to Dermot I had a few key up and downs and Padraig showed me those shots so I’ve got a bit to thank him for!”
Maguire paid a visit to the three-time major champion’s house where she hit some short game shots while Harrington cast a watchful eye.
Harrington offered some advice to the Cavan woman which paid dividends but he wasn’t taking any credit for her shot making – that was all down to her.
“I’ve known Leona for years since she was probably thirteen years of age since she started doing well with her sister Lisa. So, we’d meed every year at the sports awards and as I do I’d offer a bit of advice,” explained Harrington ahead of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open.
“This time around it came through her caddie Dermot Byrne. We know them well so he suggested that Leona talk to me before the Open and get a few tips on a few things. I actually wanted to see Leona’s game I was very interested to see how she played.
“She came over to my house and hit a few shots, she’s really good. She has a really good short game, she was being very nice saying that I helped her out but there was a few rough shots I think are special shots I learned over the years that I showed her. It’s nice she took those on board, she’s a hard worker she practiced those.
“It doesn’t matter what anybody tells you, you have to understand your own shots. It’s nice to get a hint in the right direction but you have to make those shots your own and she has done that so fair play to her.
“She gave me a bit of credit but it really is all down to her.”
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