Leona Maguire has already committed to playing at next year’s KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Dromoland Castle, and that is a major element of its continued success.
Last year’s tournament was late in being pulled back onto the calendar for the first time in ten years but adjustments were made to the Cavan star’s plans and she pitched up to come within an ace of victory and drawing bigger crowds to Clare than was even the case at some of last year’s Majors.
“This year was a great success,” she said speaking to Sport for Business and other media this week.
“The crowds were fantastic, and with KPMG on board, it’s great to have a title sponsor that’s invested in women’s sport and women’s golf.”
“I got to go to a lot of Irish Opens as a kid and being there to experience the atmosphere and everything that goes with it is fantastic.”
“It was great to see so many youngsters, and to get to meet them and hopefully give them something to aspire to just like we did at their age.”
“It’s huge that the Irish Open is back on the schedule and hopefully it’s there for a long time.”
“Chatting to the other players who are used to competing on the Ladies European Tour, they were so impressed. They said that it felt like a Major and there were bigger crowds at Dromoland for the weekend than we saw at the British Open. That’s just brilliant.”
When asked how it felt now to be in the top rank of professional golfers, Maguire smiled shyly and admitted that she was not really one for spending money.
“I’m from Cavan you know and that kind of keeps me grounded. I’ve never had the desire to drive a flash Lamborghini or anything.”
Instead, she is happy that she is able to help put her sister and brother through college, for her Dad to retire a little earlier than he might have, and to have her parents hopefully get to see a little more of her playing golf in the US as well as Ireland this year.
She has earnings this year of over €1.5 million which is a long way from her start as a pro four years ago worrying about entry fees and travel.
“It gives the freedom not to have to worry about what any missed shot or missed putt might cost, and that is important when it comes to trying to be your best and achieve the best results.
She is grateful to her sponsors who were there in the early days and to whom she has remained loyal. KPMG is one, as well as Davy, Kingspan, the Irish American Partnership and others.
She is home for Christmas and will be here until the first week of January before heading back to the US and preparing for a big year.
Thankfully that will include the KPMG Women’s Irish Open as well as the Solheim Cup and a hopeful continued rise up the world rankings, with or without a flash car.
