Mehaffey predicts "huge things" for Maguire twins
Lisa and Leona Maguire. Picture: Duke
Cavan twins Leona and Lisa Maguire will make their professional debuts at the $1.75 million ShopRite LPGA Classic in Atlantic City next week.
The former Duke University stars (23) have been handed sponsors' invitations and former amateur teammate Olivia Mehaffey is predicting huge things for them.
“I think they will do great," said Arizona State star Mehaffey (20), who will make her third major appearance in the US Women's Open in Shoal Creek today.
"They are amazing girls and there are huge things ahead for them."
Leona has a card for the LPGA's second-tier circuit, the Symetra Tour, and while more LPGA Tour invitations are likely, she will be bidding to earn one of 10 LPGA Tour cards awarded to the top money winners on the Symetra Tour in October.
“I’m so delighted to make my professional debut at the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer,” said Leona, who won ten times for Duke University and was ranked world amateur number one for a record 131 weeks.
"This is a tournament I’ve heard so many great things about from other players and it will be an honour to make my professional debut at such a great event.”
Twin sister Lisa, who has been ranked as high as 35th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, is also looking forward to taking the plunge into the professional game
“I’m so grateful to ShopRite for giving myself and Leona this incredible opportunity at the start of our professional careers,” Lisa said. “Thanks to everyone who made this happen and we’re looking forward to a memorable week.”
Mehaffey was keeping her fingers crossed that she would get in a practice round at Shoal Creek yesterday where more than six inches of rain have fallen in the past week, forcing the USGA to cancel Tuesday’s practice rounds.
“I haven’t got to play the course yet and there is a delay this morning,” said Mehaffey, who got a late call-up after finishing as an alternate in Sectional Qualifying two weeks ago. “I’m excited to play in another major and want to learn as much as I can from this week."
