Ireland’s Leona Maguire has earned her first professional win at the Windsor Golf Classic in California.The Cavan golfer claimed a $22,500 winners cheque for her efforts.
Going right down to the wire, the 24 year old Maguire came out the better of a play-off against her Thai opponent, Pajaree Anannarukarn.
Maguire shot an impressive 65 on the final round of the competition and, sitting 12 under par, looked to have secured the victory in regulation time.
However, a birdie by Anannarukarn on the 18th sent it to the decisive play-off.
Demonstrating her resilience and cool head, a maiden professional win came with a birdie of Maguire’s own on the first play-off hole.
Starting the day in joint fourth place, Leona had to be quick in reducing the three shot deficit separating her from the leader Anannarukarn.
Leona’s final round was set up with a five under par front nine that included four consecutive birdies from the fourth.
Two more shots were picked up on the back nine while Leona didn’t drop a single shot throughout the day.
It is only Maguire’s second season as a pro. A bright future lies head for her no doubt.

Another Irish golfer, Graeme McDowell, has expressed “massive relief” following his victory at the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship.
This is the Ulsterman’s first victory since he won a play-off at the 2015 OHL Classic in the Dominican Republic.
This victory not only earned McDowell over $480,000 in prize money, but it also gave him a tour exemption, so he can now plan a schedule that will give him a chance to qualify for The Open at McDowell’s home club of Royal Portrush.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are playing in this week’s US Masters in Augusta.
Should Rory McIlroy win and become just the sixth player to win all four of golf’s majors it deserves to be regarded as the finest achievement in the history of Irish sport.