The three-time Solheim Cup player was one of ten award winners recognised by the Irish golf tourism industry body at the Radisson Hotel and Spa in Rosses Point.
Maguire, who recorded a video to thank the organisers as she plays on the LPGA Tour in Asia this week, was recognised for her stellar trajectory in the women’s professional game.
“This award has been dominated by males over the years so we’re thrilled this year to acknowledge Leona who is such an inspiration to young golfers and such a deserving winner,” said Barry Maye, the IGTOA’s Chief Executive Officer.
The Co Cavan native, the first Irishwoman to win on the LPGA and the Ladies European Tours, has also made three appearances in the Solheim Cup and the Olympic Games.
Among the other award winners were The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, Waterville Golf Links, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, Vaughan Lodge in Lahinch, Enniscrone Golf Club, The Rose Hotel, Tralee, Carne Golf Links, Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa and Royal Dublin Golf Club.
Waterville was named ‘Golf Links of the Year’ and Killarney the ‘Parkland Course of the Year’ while The Merchant Hotel in Belfast was selected as the ‘Best Large Golf Hotel of the Year’.
The popular Vaughan Lodge in Lahinch was named ‘Best Boutique Golf Property’ while Enniscrone’s Keith O’Neill was named the ‘Best Golf Manager of the Year’.
Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa and Royal County Dublin Golf Club won new sustainability awards, introduced by the IGTOA this year for clubs that are leading the way in sustainable initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprint.
The IGTOA also presented awards for service excellence to Gerry Maguire of Carne Golf Club in Mayo and Peter Murphy of Dott’s Bar in The Rose Hotel Tralee.
The two-day event included the IGTOA Business Networking Sessions and the Golf Tourism Conference with contributions from Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Sporting Insights (Research) and Ryder Cup Europe.
Sporting Insights highlighted the value of golf tourism to the economy while Ryder Cup Europe spoke about its plans for the centenary staging at Adare Manor in 2027.