History as Leona Maguire becomes first Irish winner on LPGA

Leona Maguire is the first Irish winner on the LPGA Tour after a stunning final round performance at the Drive On Championship in Florida.

The 2021 Solheim Cup hero shot six birdies to hold off the challenge of Lexi Thompson and card a round of 67 for a 54-hole total of -18.

In blustery conditions, Maguire conjured up a superb display of driving off the tee, while her iron play was impeccable, rarely leaving herself anything other than pin high putts.

A birdie at the second was immediately handed back at the next hole, but the Cavan golfer did not take a backward step from there - shooting birdies at the seventh and eigth to make the turn in two-under 34.

After the turn the 27-year-old caught fire, shooting birdies at three consecutive par fours - the 10th, 11th and 13th, the last coming following a brilliant drive to the edge fo the green.

She left a birdie behind her on the par-three 14th, which made for a nervy last few holes, after Thompson holed out on the 10th for an eagle two, sandwiched between five more birdies as the leading two tore up Crown Colony Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers.

Maguire went into the final round tied for the lead with Marina Alex on -13 after a second round 65, but her playing partner could not live with the Irish Olympian on Saturday, finishing five shots back.

Maguire played another exquisite approach at 15, leaving herself six feet for birdie, however she again failed to take advantage.

One hole ahead Thompson was hooking a drive into some shrubs on the right and grimacing as if she hurt her back. The American could not save par, leaving Maguire with a four-shot lead on the 16th tee.

The tournament was all but secured on the 16th green as she drained a 15-footer for birdie after another solid