'Good work' with coach helps Leona Maguire into contention in Florida

Leona Maguire is three shots off the lead at the ANNIKA at Pelican Golf Club. 

Leona Maguire is 56th in the Race to CME Globe rankings with the top 60 gaining entry to next week's Tour Championship. Pic: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Leona Maguire finished three shots off the lead, tied for fourth, following the first round at the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge tournament at Pelican Golf Club in Florida.

Maguire carded a three-under 67 featuring five birdies and two bogeys. South Korea's Haeran Ryu leads the way on six-under.

"I just played really solid, especially on the back nine," said Maguire.

"Gave myself a lot of chances. Gave myself some good chances on the front but kept leaving myself above the pin. Greens are so slick so you really have to be very mindful of your speed.

"On the back nine gave myself some shots below the hole and, yeah, it was nice to see a few go in."

The Cavan golfer did some "good work" with her coach Shane O'Grady last week. 

"He came over from Ireland," she said.

"We were in Orlando last week so did some good work there. He hasn't seen me play in a while so he got to see me play today which was quite nice.

"We really worked hard on my approach play. It hadn't been good enough in Asia. Not giving myself enough chances. So it was nice to sort of see that come together a bit more today.

"Would've nice to hole a few more putts, but keep giving myself chances."

Currently, Maguire is ranked 56th in the Race to the CME Globe standings with the top 60 gaining entry to next week's Tour Championship at Tiburón Golf Club.

Maguire, ranked 97th in the world, has had an indifferent season, making just two top 10 finishes. Her familiarity with Pelican may help improve that stat. It's the course she's played the most since joining the LPGA Tour. 

"I think the way some of these greens are you can't really bail out," she said. 

"Even 18 you just have to stand up and hit a really good golf shot. It's quite generous off the tee, but you really have to pick your spots into the greens and try and stay below the hole if at all possible.

"The greens aren't quite as grainy as they have been in past year just because they're so slick, but it's a good golf course. I feel like it always brings out the best in everybody at this point in the season."