Leona Maguire, a 21-year-old from England, is the top amateur. She is back in the news again thanks to her amazing fourth-place finish at the Evian Championship in France. The accomplished amateur golfer, who recently delivered a stunning victory at the Women’s Irish Open, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s golf.
Maguire’s impressive start at the Evian Championship saw her card a remarkable 6-under 65 in the first round, placing her in a five-way tie for the lead. Her second round ace on the par-3 second hole at the Evian Resort Golf Club was a hole-in-one for the ages. With a very accurate tee shot from 164 yards, she sunk it!
I wouldn’t say I had figured it out but it was just taking a bit off an 8-iron for me. Looked good in the air. Until it lands, you’re just not sure on that hole where it’s going to be. Sort of a perfect morning for it. Not too windy which is always good especially on that tee box,” Maguire recounted her once-in-a-lifetime ace.
She was head and shoulders above the competition, winning by six shots! With her victory at the Irish Open, Maguire solidified her status as the world’s No. 1 amateur and as a prominent player in women’s golf, following her success at last year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
For much of the rest of the field, the first round at Evian was filled with difficulties. Once a potential star on home soil, Charley Hull had to withdraw after collapsing twice during play and falling ill. After she was medically evaluated, Hull was assured that everything was okay and that she wasn’t facing any major health risks. Yet, she was unable to go on in the competition.
Minjee Lee’s victory at the Women’s PGA Championship last month was her third major victory. She made it a strong one by shooting 66 on her own, good enough for sixth place individually after round one. How about Lottie Woad, who shared 16th after shooting a strong 68 in a grouping that included Jeeno Thitikul.
As the tournament goes on, all eyes will be on Maguire. Her goal is simply to take her remarkable debut in stride and continue to move up the ladder in professional golf.
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