‘Bitter pill to swallow’: Why this Solheim Cup star is angry with her own captain

Leona Maguire’s Match-Play Brilliance in Solheim Cup

Match play isn’t for every golfer. Competing head-to-head for just 18 holes requires a different mindset compared to the typical 72-hole stroke play. However, this format tends to bring out the best in certain players, including legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sörenstam, and Seve Ballesteros. Among modern players, Leona Maguire has emerged as a standout in match play.

In her first two Solheim Cup appearances, in 2021 and 2023, Maguire played all five sessions in each contest, boasting an impressive 7-2-1 record. She thrived under the pressure of Sunday singles, defeating Jennifer Kupcho in 2021 and Rose Zhang in 2023. Earlier in 2023, she also advanced to the finals of the T-Mobile Match Play in Las Vegas, eventually losing to Nelly Korda.

“For the last two, my job is to get as many points as possible,” said Maguire, 29, reflecting on her Solheim Cup performances. “That’s how I can contribute best to the team, and that’s what I try to do.”

However, coming into the 2023 Solheim Cup, Maguire’s form had been inconsistent. Since her Aramco Series win in July, she had only one top-15 finish, creating a dilemma for European captain Suzann Pettersen. Should she rely on Maguire’s match-play prowess or turn to teammates who were in better form?

In her first opportunity, a Friday four-ball match with Georgia Hall against Nelly Korda and Megan Khang, things went poorly. Europe made just three birdies and lost 6 and 4. On Saturday, Pettersen benched Maguire for both sessions, a surprise move given her previous successes.

“Nobody can take away Leona’s record,” said Pettersen. “But we had to go by form. Up until now, Leona hasn’t been the rock I was hoping for.”

Despite the disappointment, Pettersen made it clear she still valued Maguire’s contributions. Yet, with Europe in a four-point deficit, she opted to look elsewhere for inspiration.

Maguire, however, wasn’t finished. In Sunday’s singles, with Europe still trailing, she faced Ally Ewing with a point to prove. Maguire played with determination, birdieing four of her first nine holes and eventually winning 4 and 3.

“I felt like I played great golf today,” said Maguire afterward. “It was tough being benched, but I had a point to prove, and I think I did that.”

When asked if Pettersen explained the Saturday benching, Maguire responded, “She didn’t give much reason. I got the sense I wasn’t making enough birdies. But I think I showed today there’s more than one way to win.”

Though disappointed about sitting out, Maguire remained focused on contributing to the team. “I’m a team player, and all I could do today was win my point,” she said.

Pettersen defended her decision, noting that the lineup was designed to give Europe the best chance of success. “You’d rather play with your gut feel and your heart. Sometimes you get outplayed,” she said. “Leona was still a key part of the team, and it’s a 12-woman effort.”

Though Europe ultimately lost to the U.S. by three points, Maguire’s class and resilience stood out. After her win, she posted a simple message on social media: “Form is temporary, class is permanent.”