In the second round of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, the variety of age groups participating stood out at the O’Meara course of Carton House on Friday. The sole Irish participants who made it beyond the midway point were Anna Abom, an 18-year-old amateur, and 29-year-old Leona Maguire, known for her performance in the Solheim Cup.
The two are chasing after Finland’s Ursula Wikstrom, a seasoned player in the Ladies European Tour circuit. Despite being 44 years old, Wikstrom is eager to crack her first tour victory. Wikstrom led by a comfortable margin after racking up a total of 136 at 10-under-par after the opening 36 holes.
However, still six strokes behind, Maguire holds on to the possibility of competing hard, dedicating significant time following the round, refining her putt with coach Shane O’Grady in response to the enduring flaws in her game.
Maguire’s performance at the recent AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews proved challenging with high winds generating the need for sturdier strokes on slower greens. At Carton House, correcting her putting move has been a challenge.
Maguire confessed to having an off-day in the game, missing the dynamism and precision that marked her play yesterday. She was unable to drive as satisfyingly or provide herself with many opportunities. Along with trouble reading the greens, her putting continues to need work. Despite this, Maguire – who is into her fourth consecutive week of games, commencing from the Olympics – showed no indications of weariness.
Having experienced a number of tricky putts with significant swings, last week’s firmer, straighter conditions have been quite the contrast. The issue lies in striking a balance; hitting the balls a touch harder to reduce the swing could be advantageous, however, there are some unexpectedly tricky ones down the slope that require careful consideration for pace and line. So said Irish under-18 international and Edmondstown Golf Club member, Abom.
Abom, due to begin her final year of Leaving Certificate at Ashfield College this Monday, had a day to remember. Her return to academic life, she predicts, will come as a shock after her golfing successes.
Playing the tournament as a sponsor’s invitee, she has caused quite the stir. Last month, she caddied for her brother Thomas, who took the title at the men’s Irish Close Championship. Now, the teen golfer is carving her own path in the game, outlasting seasoned professionals to be the only amateur who will play this weekend.
However, the mood among Irish participants veered towards disappointment with only Abom and Maguire getting past the cut out of 13 participants. Maguire’s second round secured her a tied-21st place, while Abom’s performance placed her tied-36th.
When probed about any potential recalibration in her goals, Abom stated that her original intent was simply to make the cut and she plans to keep going with the flow. Despite her status as an amateur, meaning she can’t receive monetary winnings – which amount to €400,000 overall, €60,000 for the winner – she’s just thrilled to play an extra two days.
Meanwhile, Maguire has steadfast aims to scoop the Irish Open title, adding another impressive feat to her career list. She remains positive about her chances, expressing her belief that she can achieve low rounds with the right approach and mindset.
“I need to grant myself more opportunities, sink some more putts. Over the preliminary couple of days, I don’t perceive having made substantial errors, but haven’t exactly done enough right either. Things are nearly there. I’m simply waiting for everything to fall into place.”