Leona Maguire credits her ‘plan’ after leading Europe to Solheim Cup win

As Maguire joined in the celebrations on the 18th green at the Inverness Club, draped in the Irish flag, it was fitting that her sister Lisa was by her side

As Maguire joined in the celebrations on the 18th green at the Inverness Club, draped in the Irish flag, it was fitting that her sister Lisa was by her side, writes Ewan Murray. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Sportsfile

It wasn’t quite the “Hello world” of Tiger Woods in 1996. Nonetheless, Trans World Sport’s feature on 13-year-old twins in rural Ireland taking the “junior golf world by storm” at least hinted at greater things to come. Now 26, Leona Maguire’s rise to the top has been steady rather than sharp; and completely by design.

Maguire was easily the star of the show as Europe retained the Solheim Cup in Toledo, Ohio. Four and a half points from a possible five made this one of the finest team golf debuts in history.