After winning the second LPGA Tour event of her career last weekend, Leona Maguire thanked Padraig Harrington for some tips the three-time Major winner gave her last year.
"The big one for me has been Padraig Harrington," said Maguire.
"Padraig showed me some shots, so I have to thank him for it."
Harrington, who now plays on the PGA's Champions Tour, said that Maguire's caddie, Dermot Byrne, set up the meeting before last years Open Championship.
22 September 2022; Leona Maguire of Ireland and her caddie Dermot Byrne walk the sixth fairway during round one of the KPMG Women's Irish Open Golf Championship at Dromoland Castle in Clare. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
"I've known Leona for years since she was 13 years of age when she was starting to do well, herself and her sister Lisa. We'd meet every year at the sports awards. As I do, I'd offer a bit of advice," Harrington said at the Dick's Sporting Goods Open in New York.
"This time around, it came through her caddie, Dermot Byrne. We know him well. He suggested to Leona, 'Maybe you should talk to Padraig before The Open, get a few tips on a few things'.
"I actually wanted to see Leona's game. I was interested in seeing her and how she played. She came up to my house and hit a few shots - she was really good, she really has a good short game. She was being very nice, saying that I helped her out.
3 July 2022; Padraig Harrington of Ireland plays his first shot from the tee box on the 10th hole during day four of the Horizon Irish Open Golf Championship at Mount Juliet Golf Club in Thomastown, Kilkenny. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
"There was a few rough shots, a couple of special shots that I've learnt over the years that I showed her. It's nice that she took it on board. She's a hard worker. She practised those.
"It doesn't matter what anybody tells you, you've got to make it your own, you've got to understand your own shots. It's nice to get a hint in the right direction but you've got to make those shots your own and she obviously has done that. Fair play to her.
"She gave me a bit of credit but it really is all down to her."
The Cavan golfer has taken her good form into this weekend's KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Baltusrol. She's tied for sixth on two-under, three shots off the lead, after the opening round.
To tie the lead 🇮🇪
Last week's winner @leona_maguire is 2-under at Baltusrol
Watch now on @GolfChannel! pic.twitter.com/rxL1yQoqel— LPGA (@LPGA) June 22, 2023
See Also: Padraig Harrington Explains How A Young Rory McIlroy Changed The Game Of Professional Golf
