“She’s a certified dog” – Americans rave about Leona Maguire after Solheim heroics

Patrick McCarry

The Ballyconnell native has now won 7.5 points from her 10 Solheim Cup matches.

Inspired by Leona Maguire and Carlota Ciganda, Europe have retained the Solheim Cup after the drew 14-14 with a strong USA side in Malaga, Spain.

Having trailed 4-0 after the opening session, the European comeback was so impressive that we went into Singles Sunday at 8-8.

Heading into the final day, the gang from popular US golf podcast ‘No Laying Up’ were raving about Maguire. She had been teamed up with Charley Hull for the Saturday afternoon fourballs and carded seven birdies in 15 holes as they beat America’s Ally Ewing and Nelly Korda 4&3.

‘Leona is just on fire!” the show declared. Co-host ‘Tron’ Carter commented:

“With Leona, this is not even the best course fit for her. It’s pretty wide off the tee and it is just set up for a bomber. She doesn’t hit it that far and it negates some of her qualities. But she is a certified dog. We certified her long ago. We didn’t neglect to mention her – she’s already been certified.”

At that was before Singles Sunday. Linn Grant was sent out first, but lost a hard-fought battle against Megan Khang. Maguire went out second and roasted Rose Zhang. This putt (below) is an example of how dialled in the 28-year-old was:

Wait. What. @leona_maguire 🙌#TeamEurope | #SolheimCup pic.twitter.com/I9krYM6hdM

— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) September 24, 2023

Leona Maguire lights it up

Leona Maguire carded three birdies for her front nine yet Rose Zhang was not letting her away and only trailed by one at the turn. Two further birdies and that insane eagle putt all but sealed the deal before the match was wrapped up with a par on the 15th.

That 4&3 win was an early blue point on the board. Maguire was emotional, on Sky Sports, as she paid tribute to the fans in attendance:

“It was just incredible. The Irish fans this week have just been phenomenal and it felt like I was playing at home and it was just the energy I needed for today.

“I mean, Suzann gave me a job this morning. I knew it’s going to be tough. It’s going be a tough day for the girls but important to get blue on the board early and let’s see if they can bring it home.”

Wins for Angel Yin and Lilia Vu looked to be turning the tide for the Americans, and Nelly Korda then had a super approach to the 16th that put it up to Carlota Ciganda. The Spaniard responded by going even closer to the hole, whooping it up and securing a birdie. Then, on 17, it got even better:

World class from Ciganda 🇪🇺#TeamEurope | #SolheimCup pic.twitter.com/7x1q2UdBoU

— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) September 24, 2023

That Ciganda birdie on 17 got Europe to 14 points and meant the cup would stay with the hosts. Lexi Thompson won her match to level scores at 14-14 and see the spoils shared. That is how close it all was for the past three days.

Up next, the European and American men in next week’s Ryder Cup.