Familiar surrounds fuelling Maguire's home Open pursuit
A record number of Irish golfers are competing in the KPMG Women's Irish Open at the K Club in Kildare. Leona Maguire is considered the favorite to win, drawing on her familiarity with the venue and her history with the Ryder Cup.
Why it matters
The event highlights the growth of women's professional golf in Ireland and the economic impact of hosting major sporting events at historic venues.
No fewer than 16 Irish women will tee it up at the KPMG Women's Irish Open when it gets underway early this morning, representing a record number of competitors from this island partaking in their home Open.
Seven amateur players will join professionals Leona Maguire, Áine Donegan, Sara Byrne, Anna Foster, Lauren Walsh, Beth Coulter, Olivia Mehaffey, Canice Screene and Annabel Wilson in the field.
Most Irish golfers are familiar with the storied Straffan layout, but if any of the younger competitors need a steer around the 2006 Ryder Cup venue, they need only ask Solheim Cup star Leona Maguire.
The Cavan golfer is of course one of the K Club's touring pros and has played out of the Co Kildare resort since 2022.
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