It doesn’t surprise me that Leona Maguire is starting to make a lot of noise in the women’s game.
After a solid showing at the ANA Inspiration, the Cavan golfer soared to new heights at the weekend with her best ever finish on the LPGA Tour.
Some “smart choices” on the course and the guidance of caddie Gary Marshall helped her come in tied second at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii.
The 26-year-old, who climbs into the world top-100 for first time, carded a final round 65 to leave her 21-under for the tournament.
Maguire’s display in Hawaii also pocketed her $125,000 and delivered the best performance by an Irish player in the 71-year history of the LPGA.
It laid down a massive marker and points towards Leona winning on the women’s main tour in the near future.
It’ll also enhance her chances of representing Europe in the Solheim Cup in Ohio in September.
Maguire played beautifully and it was just unfortunate that she came up against a rejuvenated Lydia Ko who shot an astonishing 28 under par for the week. There’s not a lot you can do about that.
Leona’s comfort levels are growing and that is the secret for any fledgling tour player.
Looking around the range, feeling at ease and having the belief you actually belong there is vital and she has that mindset now.
It was a pity the time difference meant very few Irish fans laid eyes on her achievement but (hopefully) when the first win does arrive, it’s on America’s East Coast.
The LPGA Tour is a massive step up in class and while Leona was a standout World No1 in the amateur ranks, it still took her time to find her feet after turning pro in 2018.
A lot of credit must go to her management company Modest for giving her the kind of structure and support she needs to help her on her journey.
Niall Horan also deserves praise for helping develop the women’s game, something the likes of Leona has benefited from.
Maguire’s management, led by Mark McDonnell, has also raised awareness around the sport and it is wonderful to see those opportunities bear fruit.
We have a showcase event to look forward to this summer – the ISPS Handa World Invitational – when both the men and women will play for
an equal purse in Northern Ireland.
Hopefully by then, we’ll be watching Ireland’s first LPGA Tour winner teeing it up.
Nothing is ever certain in golf, but the fact we’re talking about it at all is progress in itself.
Catlin is a serial winner
If you’re looking for a player to close out a tournament, look no further than John Catlin.
The American won the Austrian Open at the weekend – his third European Tour title in less than 12 months.
He also won four times in 18 starts on the Asian Tour, meaning he now boasts a remarkable return of seven wins from 31 starts.
That’s a 23 percent win rate. Outstanding.
Sunday’s success moves him up to 79th in the rankings and also gives him a chance to tee it up at next month’s USPGA Championship.
Catlin’s dramatic rise from 257th in the rankings in September 2019 – pre-Covid pandemic – to where he is now has been impressive.
It has also been done the hard way because it has been achieved by playing in lower profile events with limited world ranking points.
You could argue a lower standard has increased the probability of Catlin cashing in, but that would do a disservice to his ability to get the job done down the straight.
The 30-year-old has also adapted to a challenging terrain over the past year and gone on to prove he has the mental strength and ability to compete on the biggest stage.
I’ve always said the golfing education you gain from playing on the Asian Tour is invaluable because it exposes you to the harsh realities of professional golf.
Catlin got to cut his teeth in Asia before moving to Europe and it’s proof that sometimes access to regular competitive golf is the key to developing.
Find a tour and build from there.
Harbour master refuses to sink without a trace
Stewart Cink – one of the nicest guys in golf despite breaking Tom Watson’s heart at the 2009 Open – proved again on Sunday that age is just a number.
His wire-to-wire victory at the RBC Heritage also tells us that class is permanent.
Back at the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K-Club, I remember Cink standing out as one of the top American players and 15 years later, he is a multiple winner on the PGA Tour.
The 47-year-old’s success at Harbour Town delivered his third RBC Heritage title, more than two decades after his first in 2000.
Cink is living proof that dedication and application are the keys to longevity. Sure, you need talent, but drive and desire are just as crucial if you want to continue competing at the top.
His focus and cool demeanour on Sunday were the big takeaways for me and not once did you sense he was going to let victory slip from his grasp.
Harbour Town was probably the perfect test for an artist like Cink and while he still packs a punch off the tee, his guile and experience got him over the line.
It was a joy to watch.
BETTING SLIP
GRAN CANARIA OPEN
Calumn Hill - 28/1 EW
Talented Scot should relish this week’s sunshine shootout.
Mike Lorenzo Vera - 40/1 EW
Hopefully this is his week for his long awaited maiden win.
Justin Walters - 90/1 EW
Resort setting at Meloneras GC might work in his favour.
Alex Levy - 125/1 EW
Former World No46 is slowly but surely returning to his old self.
