Leona and Lisa Maguire started off their professional careers in style as they competed in The ShopRite LPGA Classic in New Jersey on Friday, 8th June 2018.
It’s been a whirlwind week for the twins from Cavan as they took the leap from amateur to professional golf. After four years side-by-side in Duke University, the pair built an incredible repertoire on the amateur scene.
Leona began her professional career as one of the most successful amateur golfers in the history of the game. She represented Ireland at the 2016 Rio Olympics, helped secure victory in the Curtis Cup in 2016, as well as winning the 2017 Ladies British Open Amateur Championship. To add to this, Leona claimed five wins on the US collegiate circuit, won two player-of-the year awards and spent a record 135 weeks as the world’s number one ranked women’s amateur.
Lisa on the other hand has been ranked as high as 35th in the world and played a key role in Duke Women’s Golf’s ACC Championships in both 2017 and 2018. Lisa holds 16 amateur titles including three All-Ireland School’s Championships and has competed in both the Junior Solheim Cup and the Curtis Cup.
With their eye-catching amateur record it’s no wonder the pair sealed lucrative sponsorship deals with KPMG, Allianz, Puma and Ping. The twins were also the first Irish golfers to be signed by Niall Horan’s Modest! Golf Management Agency.
Our newest ambassadors, Leona and Lisa, tell us why being on #TeamKPMG gives them confidence moving to the professional game. pic.twitter.com/ugMyeIafHQ
— KPMG Golf (@KPMGGolf) June 12, 2018
Teeing off in their first professional golf tournament in Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, all eyes were on the twins. Leona opened up with a round of 69 which left her four shots off the lead. Unfortunately for Lisa, her two rounds of 84 and 82 meant she missed the cut.
Leona followed up her impressive opening round with a 4-under-par 67. This put her three shots off the lead going into the final day. It wasn’t to be and Leona secured a tie for 15th place as she finished 8-under-par, eight shots off the lead. This was enough to seal prize money winnings of $24,891.
The Korean-American golfer, Annie Park, won the tournament as she posted a final round 63 to defeat Japan’s Sakura Yokomine by one shot.
It was a promising beginning for the Maguire sisters and the future looks bright as they look to carry their wonderful amateur achievements to the professional game.
