Leona Maguire anticipates tough physical test at Solheim Cup

Leona Maguire is expecting the Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Andalucia, Spain to provide a test both athletically and physically as she prepares for her second appearance for Europe in the Solheim Cup.

The par-72, 6,903-yard course offers a bit of everything: elevation changes, more than 100 bunkers and views of the Estepona Mountains. Players from both the United States and Europe said Finca Cortesin is in fine shape but know what awaits them when the competition begins on Friday.

Two years ago, Cavan native Maguire became the first ever Irish player to feature at the Solheim Cup and went onto play a starring role as Europe won on US soil for just the second time by contributing a rookie record of four-and-a-half points from five matches at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

This time round, the two-time Olympian, who has earned two wins on the LPGA Tour since 2021, is anticipating that Finca Cortesin will put both sets of players through their paces.

"It's going to be just as much of a physical test this week as a mental test," said Maguire.

"We have a lot of practice, a lot of media, a lot of things this week, a lot of dinners, so managing energy throughout the week is going to be key to make sure we still have plenty in the tank for Sunday."

Maguire added that she was already feeling plenty of Irish support, having seen several people from Ireland on her flight to Spain as well as fans who have arrived at the course on Tuesday.

"Really excited and nice to have the fans cheering along and everybody so excited for us to be here," she said. "Hopefully we can give them some things to cheer about."

France's Celine Boutier, who also played with Maguire at Duke University, is heading into her third Solheim Cup.

"I've been, you know,