(Fort Myers) Leona Maguire became the first Irish woman to win a tournament on the LPGA Tour on Saturday, thanks to her crowning at the Drive On Championship.
Posted at 7:12 p.m.
She handed a minus-5 (67) at Crown Colony Golf Club in Fort Myers, Fla., in the final round.
“It’s a big step forward for Irish golf,” Maguire said. There had never been an Irish player on the circuit, let alone a champion. I hope there are a lot of people watching this from home tonight with a smile on their face. I want young girls to know what they can achieve. »
Tied with American Marina Alex after Friday’s second round, Maguire, 27, finished with a minus-18 total (198 strokes). Alex dropped to 4and rank and finished five strokes behind Maguire.
“It’s kind of surreal,” Maguire said. It is the culmination of a 17-year career. At some point, you even wonder if it’s going to happen. I’m just proud of the way I played this week, especially today. »
American Lexi Thompson moved up to second (minus-15) three shots behind the leader.
“I knew my game was on point,” Maguire said. I worked very hard during the off-season. »
Canadian Brooke Henderson shared the 11and place with three other golfers. She turned in 67 (minus-5) on Saturday and finished the tournament in 205 strokes, seven more than Maguire.
The other Canadian in the running, Quebec’s Maude-Aimée Leblanc did not qualify for Saturday’s round despite her first-round 67 on Thursday. She added 78 on Friday.