Leona Maguire takes confidence from Popov’s win but stiff task awaits at ANA Inspiration

Germany’s Popov produced one of golf’s stories of the year when she became the lowest-ranked player ever to win a major championship

Leona Maguire tees off at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, last month. Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Leona Maguire will take confidence from Sophia Popov’s surprise AIG Women’s Open victory at Royal Troon into the second LPGA Tour major of 2020 in California tomorrow but she knows there are plenty of obstacles in her way at the ANA Inspiration.

Germany’s Popov produced one of golf’s stories of the year in Scotland late last month when she became the lowest-ranked player ever to win a major championship, taking the title from No. 304 in the official rankings.