LEONA MAGUIRE’S DREAM of landing the Meijer LPGA Classic remains on course – even though her second round lead was thieved away by the world No4, Nelly Korda, who shot a career-best 62 in today’s interrupted third round.
With play suspended temporarily due to the inclement weather at Grand Rapids, Maguire managed to improve her performance after the enforced break to shoot a two-under total of 34 on the inward nine after an even par 36 on the outward nine.
However, her overnight three-shot lead has been wiped out as Korda, the American, followed up her incredible front nine, where she nailed five birdies to then get a further six birdies and just one bogey on the home stretch.
Korda birdied her first three holes of the day, then surprisingly only managed a par on the par-five fourth before she picked up two further birdies on six and eight to briefly move into the lead.
After the break for rain, Korda picked up where she left off, getting six further birdies. A bogey on the par-3, 11th was the only blemish.
However, Maguire – whose consistent iron play saw her reach 16 out of 18 greens in regulation never gave up. She picked up a birdie on the par-5 eighth after she had bogeyed the par-3, seventh. That drew her level with Korda, through eight.
Play was then suspended and Korda moved clear.
However the Cavan golfer retained her composure.
Her approach play was excellent, as she got to 16 of the 18 greens in regulation.
However, she had 32 putts for her round, Korda just 25.
Madelene Sagstrom is third on 16-under, one shot behind Maguire while Su Oh is fourth, on 15-under.
No matter what happens tomorrow, this has been a great season for the 26-year-old Maguire, who has registered three top-10 finishes and a season-best T2 at the LOTTE Championship.
This course in Grand Rapids suits her game.
“It reminds me a lot of home, a lot of golf courses that I would’ve grew up playing at home. Tree-lined Elm Park and Hermitage, ones I grew up playing during junior golf. I have an Irish caddie on the bag, and he said the same. It’s nice when you have that familiar ID, even though it’s a new place,” said Maguire.
