Lisa Maguire's decision to retire from professional tournament golf just 17 months after taking the plunge will come as no surprise to regular observers of the vicissitudes of life in the paid ranks.

THE countdown to the first Solheim Cup on Irish soil is down to days and the man who invited the best lady golfers in the world to County Meath can’t wait.

THE greatest week in the history of Irish ladies’ golf has arrived with the 12th Solheim Cup clash of the United States and Europe set for the Jack Nicklaus-designed Killeen Castle near Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, on Friday.

SUZANN PETTERSEN struck a blow for Europe seven weeks out from the Solheim Cup with victory in the Ladies Irish Open at Killeen Castle yesterday.

THE remarkable Maguire twins, Leona and Lisa, from Co Cavan, will create a significant piece of Curtis Cup history when they make their debuts in the bi-annual clash with the US at the Essex Country Club, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachussetts on June 11-13.