The European team had a largely mixed day during the opening rounds of the 2023 Solheim Cup yesterday, but one of the bright spots was certainly the form of Leona Maguire.
The Cavan native displayed some remarkable form in this event a couple of years ago, meaning she was expected to be a major contributor if the Europeans were to pull off a historic third consecutive victory against the Americans in Andalusia.
Friday's foursomes could not have gone any better for Team USA, with the visitors claiming all four points available. That included a win for Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz against Maguire and Anna Nordqvist.
However, the afternoon session was far more successful from a European point of view.
They would win two of the four matches, with the other two finishing in a tie. As result, the Americans only led 5-3 going into this morning's play.
Leona Maguire pulls off stunning chip at Solheim Cup
Leona Maguire provided the most dramatic of the day, with her remarkable chip on the 18th at Finca Cortesin earning the first point of the competition for her team alongside Emily Kristine Pedersen.
.@leona_maguire wins @SolheimCupEuro first point in style 🤩#TeamEurope | #SolheimCup pic.twitter.com/RQ3WOAzbRs
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) September 22, 2023
That angle does not do the shot justice.
This angle recorded by a fan at the course sums up just how difficult it was to hole out from that position.
The TV cameras did no justice to Leona Maguire's incredible chip on 18 yesterday 🤯pic.twitter.com/HXyShXmkHJ
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 23, 2023
That afternoon rally from the Europeans certainly sets up a more intriguing weekend, with fears early yesterday that the Americans would stroll to victory in this year's Solheim Cup.
Europe have won each of the last two editions, hoping to win three on the trot for the first time since the competition's inception. A trio of victories has not been managed since the USA did it from 2005-2009.
If they are to make history over the coming days, you can be certain that Leona Maguire will have a big say in doing so.
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