Women’s Open: Leona Maguire in striking distance at Carnoustie

WAITING IN THE LONG GRASS: Leona Maguire plays her third shot on the first hole during her second round of the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie yesterday. Maguire is tied for fifth place. Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty

Leona Maguire found her putting touch and fired a bogey-free 67 to soar to within two shots of the lead at halfway in the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie.

As Castlewarden’s Lauren Walsh finished birdie-birdie for a 69 to move into contention for the amateur medal on one-under-par, world No 48 Maguire moved up 36 places into a tie for fifth on five-under-par and within striking distance of making her maiden LPGA win a major victory.