Dr. Leona Maguire’s been up to more than just playing great golf lately. Yeah, not just Leona Maguire, but Dr. Maguire. Off the green, she has hit a major milestone. She earned an honorary doctorate from Ulster University, and honestly, she couldn’t be more excited about it.

Sharing the news on Instagram, she said, “Can’t say I ever saw today coming, but it was an incredible honor receiving my honorary doctorate from @ulsteruni alongside the amazing class of 2024 graduates.” What really makes this recognition stand out is Maguire’s reflection on her journey. Even with all the global success she’s had in golf, she’s quick to remember where she came from.

“I’m very lucky that golf has taken me all over the world, but I will always be a proud Cavan and Ulster woman at heart ❤️. It was inspiring being surrounded by so many successful figures from the world of business, music, sport and academia today and a reminder that anything is possible with hardwork, belief and a relentless pursuit of your dreams,” she wrote. It’s a nice reminder that no matter how high she’s climbed, she hasn’t forgotten where she came from.

At the same time, it is hard to ignore her on-course success as well. Sure, the year had its ups and downs, but honestly, when you’re the first Irish golfer to win a European Tour event, that’s a pretty major highlight. Reflecting on her win in London, Maguire said, “The highlight was that win in London; getting that was a goal at the start of the year to try and get an LET win under my belt, and being the first Irish winner on the tour was definitely a highlight.”

Her year wasn’t without near misses, though. A big moment came at the T-Mobile Match Play in Las Vegas, where she made it all the way to the final. She went head-to-head with Nelly Korda and really gave it her best shot, but in the end, she came up just short, losing 4 and 3 and settling for second. Looking back on the season, she shared, “I would have liked to have played better in the majors this year. Didn’t quite play as well in them as I would have liked, but fairly consistent overall.”

Now, with a bit of off-season breathing room, she’s already looking ahead to 2025. Fine-tuning her game, reflecting on her performance in the Olympics and Solheim Cup, and getting ready to give next year her all. As she put it, “Sunday singles at the Solheim was nice to finish off on a strong point,” she said, reflecting on Europe’s loss but feeling fueled for the next one.

How did the fans react to her glorious achievement? It’s been nothing short of positive.

Fans celebrate Leona Maguire’s accolade

Everyone was hyping her up, but there was a sweet comment from one of her co-players, Jessica Korda, who wrote, CONGRATS Doc!!! Please have them announce you as Dr. on the tee!” That’s a genuine request right there. LPGA is always cheering on its players, and now that Maguire’s given them a reason, why not? 

One fan wrote, “Wow, that’s amazing! Congrats, Leona! What a special honor 😍.”Another echoed the same excitement, saying, “What an honor! Congratulations, Leona, & well done 👏🥳.” So why is this honor such a big deal? Well, Ulster University is one of Northern Ireland’s top universities, and honorary doctorates aren’t given to just anyone. They’re for people who’ve really made a mark in their field or in society.

For Maguire, it’s not just about her golf success. It’s about how she’s inspired others and represented Ireland proudly on the global stage. One fan summed it up perfectly, writing, “So well deserved 👏 for one of Cavan & Ireland’s greatest ever competitors and amazing role models.” Congratulations, Doctor Maguire.” Another fan joked, “Dr. Maguire will see you now 👍.”

Looking ahead, Maguire is confident that her best golf is still ahead. “I know when I play my best golf, I can contend with any player in the world.” And if her year of milestones—both on and off the course—is anything to go by, we can expect some exciting things from her in 2025.