‘Enjoy the Skill of Both’: 2x LPGA Tour Champion Presents a Straightforward Image of Disparity in Golf Amidst $1.5 Million Event

One of the most unique events in Golf is already underway, and the excitement is palpable. The ISPS Handa World Invitational, hosted by AVIV Clinics, is a tournament where LPGA, LET, and DP World Tour golfers compete for a unified goal: to claim the title. The event has already witnessed a number of tee shots from both male and female golfers, and competition is in the air.

Before the innovative tournament commenced, a two-time LPGA champion shared her honest perspective on the idea of the unified event. The concept is rather distinctive when compared to most LPGA and PGA Tour matches or LET and DP World Tour matches. Let’s see what the Irish golfer had to say about the competition in her homeland.

LPGA Star’s expectations from the ISPS Handa World Invitational

In the legendary Galgorm Castle, there are now two layouts to facilitate men and women partaking in the 2023 ISPS Handa World Invitational simultaneously. There are different tees, but most of the structure appears to be similar. So, when reporters at the event’s press conference asked Maguire yesterday about her views, she had an enlightening approach to share.

“I think that you can enjoy the skill of both the ladies and the men without having to sort of compare and contrast them too much,” she said, talking about the entertainment aspect for both the players and the fans. She also added that she played with several male golfers on the roster during her Junior years, and this is a nice opportunity to catch up with them. Maguire further believes that there is a lot that both sides can learn from each other.

Speaking of the strategies for the individual layouts, the LPGA pro added, “We’ll probably have quite different strategies in terms of how we play the holes. We’ll probably be going driver a lot out here; whereas they’re probably taking 2-irons and things off tees.” The LPGA Tour also shared the two-time Tour Champion’s opinion on Instagram.

Maguire agreed with her friend Stephanie Meadow, who is also of the opinion that the gameplay will be very different and enjoyable despite the higher levels of competitiveness among players from three different circuits.

Also Read: 2023 ISPS Handa Championship: Prize Money Breakdown and Winner’s Payout

Things that make the ISPS Handa World Invitational fantastic

There are certain aspects that make the event at Galgorm Castle so entertaining. It is a fairly recent idea that started with female golfers being invited to play during the first tournament. In 2021, when Olivia Mehaffey competed in her homeland before her hiatus, the event was boosted as a co-sanctioned play on the LPGA schedule and moved on to accommodate the DP World Tour players as well.

Last year was terrific when Ewen Fergusson and Maja Stark won the trophy. This year’s event has several Irish golfers on board, including three LPGA and LET Tour players who hail particularly from Northern Ireland, namely Olivia Mehaffey, Stephanie Meadow, and Jessica Ross. However, the only golfer who is devoid of distinction but is simply playing as an Irish woman in golf is Leona Maguire.

What are your thoughts on the concept of this unique event? Do you think one of the four Irish female golfers could win the title at the 2023 ISPS Handa World Invitational? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.

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