Leona bounces back: “If it wasn't for all the support, I probably would have thought about packing it in”
SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Leona Maguire of Team Ireland during a press conference prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics at Le Golf National on August 6, 2024 in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Ile-de-France. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR)
Leona Maguire confessed pride in the green jersey prevented her from pulling out with illness as she signed off with a gutsy one-under 71 in the Women’s Golf Competition in Paris.
The world number 30 admitted she was “feeling rotten” all week as she battled flu symptoms and followed rounds of 78 and 79 with a nightmare 83 - her worst round as a professional.
But she saved the best for last at Le Golf National, making four birdies and three bogeys in a 71 to finish on 23-over.
“I've felt absolutely rotten the last few days, and I know that wasn't the golf that I was capable of,” Maguire said.
“It was one of those things. If it was any other week, I probably wouldn't have played this week, but it's the Olympic Games, and representing Ireland, there's no bigger honour.
“So it's one of those things. You don't give up until the very end, even if it seems like it's too far gone.
“I suppose it was as much of a point to prove to myself today that I knew I could handle this golf course. Under par on this golf course, I'll take that every time.”
Maguire hopes her final round will give her some momentum as she is scheduled to play the Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews over the next two weeks before headlining the KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Carton House.
Leona Maguire of Team Ireland tees off on the third hole during the second round of the 2024 Paris Olympics at Le Golf National on August 8, 2024 in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Ile-de-France. (Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR/IGF)
“I played some really nice golf,” she said. “It’s a difficult golf course. You really need your wits about you. And yeah, it's one of those things.
“You need to be at 100pc and I was very far from that this week, but proud of the way I bounced back today and hopefully some good momentum heading into the next few weeks.”
She pointed out that fan support kept her going and stopped her from pulling out when all hope of a medal had gone.
“They've been fantastic,” she said. “I mean, this is some of the biggest crowds we've seen, so many tricolours and so many jerseys.
“To be honest, if it wasn't for all the support, I probably would have thought about packing it in.
“But I think it's been phenomenal. With the whole support that the Irish team has gotten over the past few weeks, both at home and over here, it's been incredible.
“And then the support from Team Ireland in general, I mean, there's been so many people working behind the scenes to help us athletes.
“The medal count isn't an accident. There's been a lot of people doing a lot of work behind the scenes. Yeah, very grateful to be part of it.”
The Co Cavan star hasn’t been able to see other events but she did meet Kellie Harrington before her gold medal win and hopes Ireland’s women can win a relay medal in the 4 x 400m tonight.
“It's a little difficult not being in the village this year and not being as well, but I’ve been cheering them on from afar,” she added.
“I got to catch up with Kellie the other day before a fight and it was fantastic to see her go back to back.
“And Rhasidat coming so close last night again, and we'll be cheering for the girls tonight to hopefully go one better in the relay.”
Stephanie Meadow, meanwhile, closed with a two-under 70 to finish tied 39th on six over.
Meadow said: “It was solid today and I didn’t give it up. It’s been a long four days after starting at six-over so I’m proud of myself I kept going and I got some cheers today from the Irish fans which was great. It’s nice to finish on a positive no matter what.”
On these Games she said: “It’s been fantastic, every Olympics has been amazing but I will say this has probably been my favourite.
“My husband is here, the team is here, and this is my third one with Leona, she is one of my best friends and it’s pretty cool to share that with everyone close to me, and being the first group on the first day is something I’ll never forget.”
