Leona Maguire Doesn’t Feel the Building Pressure, Defending Meijer Champ Sheds the Bold Truth: ‘ I Can Do It’

The 2024 edition of the Meijer LPGA Classic will celebrate its 10th year in the golf world. Scheduled from June 13th to June 16th, the tournament will feature a field of 144 players, including prominent names from professional women’s golf, competing for a $3 million prize purse. Defending champion Leona Maguire will be aiming for a consecutive victory at the Blythefield Country Club.

During the pre-tournament press conference, Maguire shed light on the highly competitive field, which includes many top 10 Rolex women’s world ranking players, including Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Celine Boutier, and Minjee Lee, as well as past champions of the event. And she dwelt about whether her success on the Belmont greens added to the pressure or not. “I don’t think there is any pressure. I think if anything there is less. I’ve done it now. There is not that extra sort of — not a chip on my shoulder, but I know I’ve done it and I know I can do it.” said Maguire. In 2023, Leona Maguire defeated the Thai professional Ariya Jutanugarn by two strokes.

2022 JP McManus Pro-Am, Adare Manor, Limerick 5/7/2022 Leona Maguire Leona Maguire 5/7/2022 PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRLxFRAxNZL Copyright: x INPHO/MorganxTreacyx DW6I0059Reflecting further on the reasons for feeling a bit relaxed, she points out that she has done quite well on the Michigan greens, “I know I’ve done it in a few different ways of going low out here.” Last year, the Irish national carded a sub-70 score in all four rounds (69, 65, 69, and 64) On further adding what she thought might be the reason for her good record at the club, she said, “I think it’s just a case of enjoying the week and try not to put too much pressure on myself.”

Maguire is set to tee off alongside world No. 1 Nelly Korda and Brooke Henderson, who have tasted victory at the Meijer Classic twice, first in 2017 and then in 2010. Rather than being perturbed by the tee-time parings, the two-time LPGA Tour winner reflected a positive attitude and stated, “Yeah, enjoy the week. Obviously have a fun pairing tomorrow with Nelly and Brooke. Excited for that for the first two days.” 

The 29-year-old shared her liking for the Michigan-based event, saying, “this is always one of my favorite stops on tour. It’s one of the events that I’ve probably played the most since my rookie year.” What made the Meijer LPGA Classic so special for the Irish national?

Leona Maguire’s past performance at the Meijer LPGA Classic

Discussing Leona Maguire’s recent performances on Michigan greens, she has shown impressive form. In 2021, she and Nelly Korda were neck-and-neck until the second round, with Korda holding a one-shot lead over Maguire. However, the third round proved decisive as Korda extended her lead to nine shots, significantly altering the competition. Ultimately, the world number one lifted the trophy with an amazing 25 under 263, defeating Maguire by two shots.

Maguire recalled the 2021 edition during the presser and praised Korda for her performance, “Yeah, it was obviously very nice. I feel like in ’21 I played some incredible golf and Nelly just played even better that year.” The following year, Maguire lost out in a three-person playoff to once again settle for a share of second. Jennifer Kupcho won the championship that year. Maguire’s perseverance eventually paid off in 2023 as she put forth an outstanding performance, finishing at an impressive 21-under 267 to clinch the Meijer LPGA Classic trophy.

Will Leona Maguire be able to take the Meijer LPGA Classic title home this year as well? It remains to be seen.