Leona Maguire insists she has a lot of respect for European Solheim Cup captain Suzann Pettersen and that her opening round of 67 at the Kroger Queen City Championship wasn’t a response to being left out of three of four sessions last weekend.
Maguire admitted it was “a bitter pill to swallow” while also tweeting that “form is temporary and class is permanent” following her impressive 4&3 win over Ally Ewing in the Sunday singles as Europe lost the Solheim Cup to the USA for the first time since 2017.
The Cavan star who has a 100% record in singles said she got little explanation for her omission for the entirety of Saturday from Pettersen but is adamant the pair are on good terms.
“Me and Suzann are on very good terms. I have a lot of respect for her. She was a hero of mine growing up. Ultimately it was her decision last week. She did what was best for the team.
“I would’ve been happy to sit out every match if it meant we brought back the trophy. I knew my game was in good shape. Showed that in the singles last week, and just trying to finish off the season as strong as I can.”
Maguire admitted the last few months haven’t been enjoyable and she hasn’t allowed herself to play with a smile on her face following three missed cuts in five majors as well as finishing last in the Olympics due to an illness.
As the season nears its conclusion on the LPGA Tour, Maguire is focused on enjoying her golf again and to be kinder to herself.
“I finished off, obviously, with a nice run on Sunday last week and it’s been a tough couple of months,” said Maguire who also parted ways with caddie Dermot Byrne after three years.
“The last few months, haven’t enjoyed my golf as much as I should have, and I think last week was just a reminder of how fun golf can be.
“I love the Solheim, and it’s nice to sort of have something to look forward to every two years and just try to build up the momentum from last week.”