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Leona Maguire is gearing up for a demanding test during the first two days of the ISPS HANDA World Invitational Presented by AVIV Clinics. The tournament features separate 72-hole stroke play events for men and women, each with a prize fund of USD ,500,000. The players will compete over two different courses— the parklands course at Galgorm and the Links Golf at Castlerock Golf Club.

Maguire acknowledges the need to adapt to each course’s unique characteristics and conditions. Castlerock presents a pure links golf experience, where the weather plays a significant role. The course features semi-blind tee shots and players must avoid pot bunkers that can be punitive. Galgorm, on the other hand, is lush and soft, requiring more precision with target golf and an emphasis on staying out of the rough. Maguire believes hitting fairways will be crucial at Galgorm.

Links golf poses unique challenges due to the winds and the variability in shot selection. Players must make decisions on club choice based on the moment and their instincts. In contrast, Galgorm demands a different mindset, focused on target golf and aiming straight for the pin. Maguire finds the adjustment in strategy enjoyable and appreciates the creativity and imagination required in links golf.

Maguire, currently ranked 14th in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, will begin her competition at Castlerock alongside Mina Harigae from the United States and Anne Van Dam from the Netherlands. She hopes spectators will appreciate the different strategies employed by the men and women. Maguire anticipates the men using conservative club choices, such as 2-irons, while the women opt for drivers. She also looks forward to reconnecting with former junior golf peers, including Matteo Manassero and Adrian Otaegui, and believes fans should enjoy and learn from both the men’s and women’s games without unnecessary comparisons.

With family and friends present, Maguire aims to enjoy the tournament without putting undue pressure on herself. After respectable performances in the final two majors of the year, she is focusing on the joy of playing golf and hoping for a strong finish to the season.

Follow the action on social media platforms with the hashtags #RaiseOurGame and #WorldInvitational.

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