Europe’s Leona Maguire capped off an undefeated Solheim Cup debut with a dominant 5-and-4 victory over fellow rookie Jennifer Kupcho. Maguire struck early, driving the second green in two and nailing a 12-foot eagle putt to go 1 up. She grew a 4-up lead with birdies at 4, 6 and 7 and ultimately took the decisive win with a par at No. 14, punctuated by the fierce fist pump she unleashed all week across the famed Inverness Club.
“Just wanted to put pressure on Jen from the get-go. She's a phenomenal player,” said Maguire, who competed against Kupcho frequently in their amateur and college days. “We've played many times before, and I knew I'd have to have my A game today, and luckily there was still some energy left in my legs and I was able to get it done.
Maguire, the first Irish player to compete in the Solheim Cup, went 4-0-1 for Europe. She is the third player to earn more than four points in a single Solheim Cup, joining her fellow Europeans Caroline Hedwall (5-0-0 in 2013) and Carin Koch (4-0-1 in 2002).