Leona moves to no 1 in world rankings

Ballyconnell golfer Leona Maguire has moved to the top of the women’s world amateur rankings.

Twenty-year-old Maguire, who along with her sister Lisa plays with Duke University in the US, moved to no 1in the rankings, swapping places with Andrea Lee after winning the NCAA South Bend Regional at the weekend.

Maguire beat former world number one and Duke team-mate Celine Boutier by a shot in the tournament, after rounds of 72, 68 and 72 left her on a winning total of four under par (212).

“It’s a nice bonus,” Maguire told The42.ie this week after victory at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) South Bend Regional moved her into top spot.

“The goal for me though is always just to play well, to play to the best of my abilities.

“To get to the top of the rankings is a great confidence booster though and just reaffirms that I’m moving in the direction that I want. I suppose it’s a combination of a lot of years hard work and it’s paying off now.”