Maguire ‘so proud’ to be selected for Solheim Cup

Leona Maguire said she was “humbled” to become the first Irish player to compete in the Solheim Cup after being given a wild card by European captain Catriona Matthew.

Matthew also selected AIG Women’s Open contenders Madelene Sagstrom and Nanna Koerstz Madsen for the biennial contest against the United States at Inverness Club in Toledo, along with Matilda Castren, Mel Reid and Celine Boutier.

Anna Nordqvist’s victory at Carnoustie secured the three-time major winner a seventhconsecutive Solheim Cup appearance alongside fellow qualifiers Georgia Hall, Emily Pedersen, Sophia Popov, Charley Hull and Carlota Ciganda.

Maguire said: “I’m really excited, it is something I have looked forward to.

“I have played the Junior Solheim Cup in 2009 and 2011. It was an incredible thing to be part of the junior side, so to be on the ‘big’ team is something really special and no Irish person has ever done it before.

“It’s going to be great for Irish golf and to show the young girls coming up that it is possible to do things if you set your mind to it.

“Catriona is a legend. For her to think I’m good enough to be on her team is quite humbling and an honour.”

Maguire’s tie for 13th on Sunday was her ninth top15 finish of the season and Matthew said: “Leona has had a fantastic year.

“She’s got that real grittiness. She’s a really good match player, has a great record from the Curtis Cup and played well in the match play (event) in Vegas.

“It’s the first Irish player, the first Finnish player (Castren). I think it’s great to see other players from different countries getting on the side.”

World number one Nelly Korda and Danielle Kang had already secured their place on the USA team and were joined by Ally Ewing, Austin Ernst, Lexi Thompson, Jessica Korda, Megan Khang, Lizette Salas and Jennifer Kupcho.

US captain Pat Hurst selected Brittany Altomare, Mina Harigae and Yealimi Noh as her wild cards, with Stacy Lewis assistant captain.