Leona back in action in Rio today

Leona Maguire’s quest for Olympic glory continues this afternoon when she tees off at 1.35pm. 

The world's top amateur started with a birdie yesterday but two bogeys and a double bogey at the 10th contributed to her three-over-par round which left her nine shots off the lead.

Maguire, currently studying at Duke University in North Carolina, is one of two Irish golfers in the field, and one of only three amateurs in the 60-strong draw. Unlike the men’s competition in which many of the game’s top stars chose not to compete, the women’s event is a star studded affair in which all of those eligible have chosen to take part.

Maguire secured her Olympic qualification as the second-highest ranked amateur in the world, having held the highest ranking for most of the previous year. 

The course, a par-71, was specifically designed and purpose built for the Olympics, and provided the stage for a fantastic culmination to the men’s event last weekend. It will provide a fair test for all golfers without paying higher dividends to any one specific part of the game.