Top-ranked amateur Leona Maguire withdraws from LPGA Q-School
Leona Maguire
(Golfweek Photo)
DURHAM, NC (November 23, 2016) -- The top-ranked World Amateur Golfer Leona Maguire has decided to withdraw from stage III of LPGA Q-School to continue her Duke Blue Devil career.
An Olympian, Maguire is currently halfway through her junior season in Durham and is set to graduate in May of 2018. While competing in the Olympics for her native country of Ireland Maguire finished tied for 21st at 2-under-par.
“Upon considerable deliberation, I have decided to withdraw from stage III of LPGA Q-School and not pursue LPGA membership for 2017,” said Maguire. “This is not a decision that I have taken lightly but one that I feel is best for me in the pursuit of my long-term aspirations. I am thankful for the continuous support of my parents, friends, teammates, coach Shane O Grady, ILGU and everyone at Duke and for their guidance in helping me to reach my decision.”
During her Duke career Maguire has twice been named a WGCA First Team All-American, she has won the 2014-2015 ANNIKA Award and also earned the 2015 Mark H. McCormack Medal as the highest ranking women golfer in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
“I am fortunate to have had some incredible experiences this past summer competing at the Olympics and in the British and U.S. Opens that reinforced my desire to play professional golf,” said Maguire. “My dream is and always has been to compete alongside the world’s best on the LPGA and this remains resolutely unchanged. It is my intention to turn professional after graduation in May 2018 and I look forward to enjoying many more unforgettable experiences representing Duke, Ireland and myself as an amateur golfer until then."
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So far this year Maguire has played in three collegiate events placing solo third or in a tie for third in each of them. Her best score to par came at the Annika Intercollegiate when she finished 9-under.
“Being a student-athlete at a distinguished institution such as Duke is a once in a lifetime opportunity and not something I am willing to forgo,” commented Maguire. “Not only do I get to obtain a world-class degree, but I can utilize some of finest golf and athletic facilities in the country here at Duke. I have greatly developed as both a player and person since starting at Duke and am confident that another year and a half of playing collegiate golf will further aid me in all aspects of my preparation in becoming a professional golfer. I pride myself in putting 100% commitment and effort into everything I do and it is important for me to honor my commitments to my team and Duke, while still pushing myself to become the best golfer I can be. Being part of the Duke Blue Devil family is both an honor and privilege and I am excited to that I will get to graduate with my teammates and classmates in 2018.”
-Duke Athletics contributed to this story