Leona Maguire started the final round of the Aramco Team Series event at Hemel Hempstead with a three-shot lead and quickly added two birdies to her scorecard. Her practice paid off as she claimed victory at the Ladies European Tour event in London in remarkable fashion.
The Cavan native, who made history as the first Irishwoman to win on the LET, secured her win with a stunning 10-foot eagle putt on the final hole of regulation. However, it was her incredible approach shot from 185 yards that set up the winning moment, breaking the heart of 2018 British Open Champion and local favourite Georgia Hall.
Standing in the semi-rough on the edge of a steep fairway bunker, Maguire executed a perfect four-hybrid shot that chased up to the front of the green. This shot was not only the highlight of the Championship but arguably the shot of her career.
“It’s one of those shots you practice over and over, and it’s great to pull it off when it really counts,” Maguire said. “It almost felt like matchplay today with Georgia, but I knew there were other girls making moves. I just focused on making a really good, committed swing, and it came out perfect. Finishing with that putt was the icing on the cake.”
Maguire faced challenges during the final round. After starting strong, she encountered a bogey followed by a costly double bogey on the 6th hole, dropping her to -7. Another dropped shot on the 8th left her +2 for the front nine.
Battling through torrential rain on the back nine, the 29-year-old showed resilience. A superb approach on the 12th set up a tap-in birdie, but she struggled to close the gap on American leader Alison Lee, who held a two-stroke advantage heading into the final stretch. Despite these challenges, Maguire’s determination and skill ultimately secured her a well-deserved victory.
