Maguire Flying Under Radar, Ready for US Open Test
Leona Maguire may be the only Irish golfer teeing it up at this week’s US Women’s Open, but she’s approaching the challenge at Erin Hills with quiet determination. Maguire flying under radar, ready for US Open test sums up her current journey in a season that’s been steady, if not spectacular. While recent missed cuts have raised eyebrows, it’s worth noting those were only two out of eleven events played in 2025. She’s also registered a top-ten and a couple of solid top-25 finishes this year.
Up-and-Down Season but No Panic
Despite a noticeable drop in the world rankings from 29th to 80th over the past year, Maguire still sits comfortably at 51st on the Race to CME Globe. That places her within the top 60 players who qualify for the Tour Championship. So while her year hasn’t been headline-grabbing, it hasn’t been a disaster either. She’s just been quietly grinding on the toughest tour in women’s golf.
Struggles with Distance, Strength in the Short Game
One stat does stand out though driving distance. The best players in the world are all averaging over 270 yards off the tee. Maguire, by contrast, ranks 146th, averaging just under 242 yards. That puts her at a disadvantage when it comes to approach shots and explains her 76th place in strokes gained from outside 50 yards. However, she’s making up for it closer to the hole. She’s ranked 14th in strokes gained around the green, proving she’s still got the finesse and mental focus when it counts.
Relaxed Approach to a Big Week
With so much attention on big names like Nelly Korda, Maguire enters Erin Hills largely under the radar and that might be the best thing for her. She tees off Thursday evening alongside Gaby Lopez and Hyo Joo Kim, starting from the 10th hole.
Strong Field and Big Prize on the Line
This is Erin Hills’ debut as the host of the US Women’s Open, but it’s no stranger to big events it held the men’s US Open in 2017. The course is tough, the rough is punishing, and the $12 million prize purse is the biggest ever in women’s golf. Naturally, world number one Nelly Korda leads the headlines, even though she’s still chasing her first win of the year. Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul is in fine form, with a win and six top-tens in just eight events, making her a strong favorite.
Also in the mix are Yuka Saso, looking for her third US Open title, Japan’s Rio Takeda, and Spain’s young star Carla Bernat Escuder. European hopes will also rest on France’s Celine Boutier and Germany’s Esther Henseleit.
All Eyes on Maguire’s Next Move
While the spotlight might be on others, Maguire’s calm and composed presence combined with her short game skills could see her quietly climb the leaderboard. Whether or not she shocks the field, one thing’s clear: Leona Maguire isn’t backing down from the challenge.
