Leona Maguire snubbed for Solheim Cup opening day foursomes

The Cavan native has not been picked to play in Friday's foursomes.

By: irishmirror.ie

Sep 12 2024
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Leona Maguire snubbed for Solh

Leona Maguire has not been selected to play in the Friday foursomes on day one of the Solheim Cup as Team Europe begin their defence in Virginia.

Cavan-native Maguire has excelled at her two previous Solheim Cup appearances, winning the most points ever as a rookie in 2021 before backing it up with another excellent display as Europe retained the trophy in 2023.

Maguire has struggled for form this season but did show glimpses of nearing top form when she won the Aramco Team Series event in London at the beginning of July. Friday's omission is the first time in her Solheim Cup career that she has been left out of a session.

Explaining her decision, Europe captain Suzann Pettersen said: “We have a great team, that is the best thing about it. All the players stand behind the decisions that are made. Of course players are disappointed when they don’t get paired straight off the bat but this is not a sprint.

"There are lots of matches to be played. I am sure you will see Leona on the course but it is just about how it all pieced together this time around. She has a great record and she is a feisty Solheim player. We all know that but you will see her.

“You have got to look at a little bit of gut feel. To sit Leona in a foursome, it’s a little bit of a tough call but at the same time you have to go with your gut. You have other ones who are very aligned on paper.”