Leona Maguire’s Irish Open Hopes Dwindle as Slow Pace Hurts

Leona Maguire, the home favorite at the Irish Open, faces an uphill battle to win the tournament after a disappointing second round at Carton House. Maguire, who had a strong start, couldn’t maintain her momentum, carding a 72 on Friday. Her slow pace of play contributed to the lackluster performance, leaving her six shots behind leader Ursula Wikstrom. Maguire acknowledged her struggles, stating she didn’t hit the ball as well as the previous day and struggled with putting. Despite the setback, she remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for a strong weekend performance to make a comeback. Wikstrom, the current leader, is seeking her first-ever Tour victory and has the experience to handle the pressure. The 44-year-old Finn is in a good position heading into the weekend, with a one-shot lead over Luna Sobron Gomes and Alessandra Finali.