Amateur golfBrian KeoghLeona Maguire, Duke University, Lisa Maguire, LSU Tiger Golf Classic

Leona Maguire wins sixth college title; 23 percent strike rate

Amateur golfBrian KeoghLeona Maguire, Duke University, Lisa Maguire, LSU Tiger Golf Classic
Leona Maguire wins sixth college title; 23 percent strike rate
Leona Maguire with the 2017 LSU Tiger Golf Classic trophy

Leona Maguire with the 2017 LSU Tiger Golf Classic trophy

Leona Maguire captured her second win of the season and the sixth of her collegiate career in Louisiana to become one of the most successful Irish college players of all time.

The world amateur number one from Co Cavan led by five strokes heading into the final round of the LSU Tiger Golf Classic at the The University Club in New Orleans.

But she had to overcome a spirited challenge from teammate Virgina Elena Carta to card a one-under 71 and win by four strokes on 10-under-par 206 

Team scores | Individual

The 22-year-old was just three ahead of Carta with nine holes to play but pulled five ahead again coming home as she made birdies at the 11th, 14th and 15th.

A double bogey five at the 16th only affected the margin of victory with Carta finishing four behind on six-under after a 70 as Duke also took the team title by 18 strokes from Oklahoma State on 10-under-par.

With six wins,  Leona equals LPGA Tour players Brittany Lang and Lindy Duncan in Duke’s all-time records 

But she's also one of the most successful Irish players in the history of US college golf.

Graeme McDowell, regarded as the best male player to play college golf in the US, won nine times for UAB in 41 starts over three years (21.9% of his starts), Leona has won six times from 26 starts for a strike-rate of 23%.

Denver and Donaghadee's Jessica Carty tied for 16th on four-over after a closing 70 while Leona's twin sister Lisa, competing as an individual, closed with a 75 to finish 57th on 233.