FORT MYERS, Fla.: Leona Maguire became the first Irish winner in LPGA Tour history Saturday, closing with a 5-under 67 for a three-stroke victory in the LPGA Drive On Championship at Crown Colony.
Its huge for Irish golf, Maguire said. There was never an Irish player on the tour, let alone a winner. Hopefully, there is a lot of people watching at home tonight with big smiles on their faces and little girls watching knowing they can do that, too.
Tied with Marina Alex for the second-round lead after a 65 on Friday, Maguire had seven birdies and two bogeys the last on the par-5 18th with the outcome decided. The 27-year-old former Duke star finished at 18-under 198.
Its a bit surreal, Maguire said. Its been 17 years in the making, and you kind of wonder if its ever going to happen. Just really proud of how I played all week, especially today. Dermot (Byrne) was incredible on the bag. … Probably more relief now than anything else.
Lexi Thompson was second after a 65.
I played with Leona the first two days and shes been hitting it amazing, Thompson said. I knew I had to make birdies to get even closer. … She obviously played great again today and definitely well deserved. I think it will help her out a lot. Shes an amazing talent.
Maguire had an early birdie and a bogey, then ran off five birdies in a seven-hole stretch from the seventh to the 13th. She also birdied the par-4 16th. Her closing bogey left her 1 over for the day on the four par-5 holes.
I knew my game was close, Maguire said. I did a lot of hard work in the offseason.
Sarah Schmelzel had a 64 to finish third at 14 under, Alex (72) was another stroke back with Stacy Lewis (68), Patty Tavatanakit (67), Xiyu Lin (63) and Brittany Altomare (68).
Leona had a great day. Alex said. It was really awesome to watch her play. She really got into a groove there kind of like middle of the front and into that back nine, made a ton of birdies. So just had a push to try and keep up with her. Didnt really work out, but thats OK.
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