14 THE WORLD OF GOLFING
SLIEVE RUSSELL
Slieve Russell return
gives Maguire 20x20 vision
Slieve Russell
Up-and-coming Ireland professional
Leona Maguire took time out from her
busy schedule to make a return visit to
her home club, PGA National Ireland
Slieve Russell, to host an event aimed
at inspiring the next generation of Irish
female golfers.
Maguire, who is currently playing on the
Symetra Tour in America, treated a group
of nine girls of all ages and abilities to
an exclusive golf clinic at the venue
in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, in her role
as KPMG ambassador for the 20x20
campaign.
As well as playing nine holes and taking
part in a question-and-answer session,
the group – which included Ireland’s
current under-16 reigning champion,
Beth Coulter, as well as three complete
beginners – also had the opportunity to
receive some individual tuition from the
Irish star.
Maguire grew up in close proximity to
Slieve Russell and its highly regarded
Patrick Merrigan-designed 18-hole
championship course, which provided
the ideal setting for her introduction to
golf and the early development of her
game, as well as that of her twin sister
and fellow professional golfer, Lisa.
Speaking at the event, Maguire said:
“Returning to my home club of Slieve
Russell, the new PGA National Ireland, is
always a treat.
“The driving range and course provided
the backdrop to my introduction to golf
and the development of my game. I have
no doubt that having such a fantastic
course and golf facilities available to me
from an early age was a significant factor
in my ultimately becoming a professional
golfer.