Maguire on major hunt as she reflects on super season

Leona Maguire's checklist is getting smaller and smaller but she still has plenty to achieve as she reflected on a stunning 2022 season and looked ahead to the possibilities of the forthcoming year.

First LPGA win? Check. Lead the charge for the return of the Irish Women’s Open? Check. Break into the top 10 of the world rankings? Still unchecked, but it appears only a matter of time.

It’s been a whirlwind period for Maguire since she played a starring role in Europe’s Solheim Cup win over America in Ohio in September 2021 – her score of 4.5 points was 1.5 above the next best – but she’s yet to add a major to the CV. That’s one of her corner-stone aims for the year ahead.

"It’s been my most successful year to date, we ticked a lot of boxes," said Maguire, who ends the year at number 11 in the world rankings.

"Winning an event [Drive On Championship] early in the season was definitely a highlight in there, as was the big events. I feel like we carried it really well and executed it really well this year so, the British Open and obviously the CME to finish the year so overall very, very happy with the year.

"The majors are obviously a big focus point for next year. That summer of next year is going to be very busy, jam-packed. I’ve got the Solheim Cup hopefully in September as well and just trying to be contention as much as I can in those big events.

"I feel I’ve got better every year rankings wise, and I’m feeling more comfortable out in the LPGA year-on-year."

Maguire was speaking on a week when a new date was announced for the Irish Women’s Open, a move that hopefully will increase the tournament’s prominence after making its return in 2022 having last been played in 2012.

The Cavan golfer was two shots off the lead heading