Maguire says Solheim defeat in 2024 provides 'extra incentive' as Europe prepare for Bernardus Golf meeting
Leona Maguire said regaining the Solheim Cup is an "extra incentive" for Team Europe as they prepare to face the United States at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from 11-13 September. "We obviously lost the last one so there's an extra incentive to try and bring it back this time," she added.
Maguire was part of the European side that contested the 2024 edition, when the United States ran out 15.5-12.5 winners in Virginia. She also featured in Europe's victory in Ohio in 2021 and the drawn encounter in Andalusia that resulted in Europe retaining the trophy. Captain Anna Nordqvist has selected Maguire as one of two wildcard picks for this year's contest in Cromvoirt. Maguire will play the Women's Irish Open at the K Club in County Kildare this week, which is her last competitive action before the team meet in the Netherlands.
The 31-year-old's best major finish to date is a tie for fourth at the 2022 Women's British Open. She is a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour and has one Ladies European Tour victory. When selected for the 2021 Solheim Cup she became the first Irish player to represent Europe in the competition and recorded 4.5 rookie points as the away team triumphed 15-13.
The County Cavan woman's overall individual Solheim Cup record, after appearing in two subsequent editions, stands at eight wins, one half and three defeats. "It's one of my favourite events. It's a team event which we don't get to do very often and matchplay which I love," she explained. "I think once you're part of one Solheim, the same as the Ryder Cup, you don't want to miss any more."
On her immediate preparation, Maguire said: "Hopefully have a great week here [at the Irish Open] and then a week off to recharge and go again for the Solheim." She added: "Solheim's a special event every two years and a home Solheim is even more special. We've got a young team this year, an exciting team and looking forward to getting over to the Netherlands for that."
Addressing potential support, she said: "Home support always helps as well. There was massive Irish support in Spain two times ago so hopefully a few Irish will maybe make the trip to Holland."
Maguire said she hopes the backing of home supporters can help Europe reclaim the trophy at the 20th running of the event. The Solheim Cup will be held in Cromvoirt from 11-13 September.