Leona will be competing among the best golfers in the world at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open taking place in Carton House in July
If you’re a fan of golf, you’ll already be looking forward to one of the biggest sporting events in the Irish calendar taking place next month. Equally, even if you’re not a fan or don’t know much about it, this is a great opportunity to support incredible women at the top of their golfing game.
The event in question is the 2025 KPMG Women’s Irish Open which makes its much-anticipated return to the prestigious O’Meara Course at Carton House.
Earlier this year, it was voted the Best Tournament on The Ladies European Tour while The O’Meara course picked up the coveted award of Best Course Condition. And if you’re thinking about making a day of it, be sure to bring the whole family because not only will there be world-class golf, there will also be family-friendly entertainment and immersive fan experiences.
One pro golfer taking part in this year’s Women’s Irish Open is Leona Maguire. Chances are you know the name, but how much do you know about the athlete? Here are a few interesting and fun facts to know about her ahead of the big event.
Where is she from?
Co Cavan.
What age is she?
Leona was born on 30 November 1994, making her 30 years old at the time of the tournament.
Did you know?
- She gave up a promising swimming career at the age of 12 to follow her passion for golf.
- She has represented Ireland three times at the Olympic Games, most recently in Paris 2024.
- Leona received a degree in Psychology along with a certificate in markets and management studies from Duke University, North Carolina.
- She is 15 minutes younger than her twin sister, Lisa, who was also a professional golfer until she retired in 2019. Lisa is also a qualified dentist.
What are some of the biggest moments in her sporting career?
Leona has broken many records in her career but the main thing to know is that she is a two-time LPGA Tour winner. She held the record for the most weeks at the top of the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and in 2022 became the first Irish woman to win on the LPGA Tour. In 2024 she became the first Irish woman to win on the Ladies European Tour.
Where does she rank in the world of women’s golf?
Leona is currently sitting on the verge of the world’s top-10 ranked women for the first time in her career.
How does she prepare for a big tournament?
Pro golf is a lot more physical than many of us may realise and, at a recent press conference for the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, Leona explained that she has a team working with her behind the scenes to help her achieve the best results. Her nutritionist is on hand to help her stay energised and hydrated, particularly when she’s competing in hotter climates, where she says she doesn’t like to eat as much. She also avails of supplements and monitors her sleep and recovery each day with an Oura Ring.
How she deals with the pressure of expectation
At the conference, she said: “Other people’s expectations are not something I’m concerned with. You can’t worry about what other people are thinking or doing. I focus on prep. I’m the one out there and the only expectation and standards that matter are the ones I put on myself and what my team and I have put together.
“The standard is so high you need a lot of things to go right, give yourself a chance, and hopefully be in the right place at the right time. You have to roll with the punches and not get too deterred when things don’t go your way. I think everyone resonated with Rory [McIlroy’s] journey, the highs and lows of sport mirror those in life, in general. It’s not easy and the line isn’t always straight. A lot of people will take a lot of inspiration from that.”
What would it would mean to win the Irish Open?
“To win a national title, it’d mean an awful lot, it’d be a huge honour. Rory [McIlroy], Padraig [Harrington] and Shane [Lowry] have done it and it would be nice for the home fans to have some home golfers in contention but there are quite a few pros who will be in contention. I’d like to add it to my collection! I made a bit of a run in Dromoland so it would be nice to replicate and go even better in Carton.”
What does she like to do on her time off?
Leona revealed that she’s working on a house build right now so she will be checking in with that as soon as she’s done with her golfing commitments. She’s also looking forward to taking the paddle boards out when she gets home and catching up with friends and family.
What to expect at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open
If you think that being at a live golf event doesn’t have the same excitement or thrilling atmosphere as a soccer match or GAA final, think again. Taking place from 3-6 July, the Women’s Irish Open promises an electrifying showdown as English golf superstar Charley Hull, one of the sport’s most dynamic and recognisable talents, headlines the field. Hull will be joined by Leona Maguire, Georgia Hall, Madelene Sagström and the 2026 captain Anna Nordqvist.
A family-friendly atmosphere
For those looking for a festival vibe, the action won’t be confined to the fairways. The spectator village at Carton House will be buzzing with a wide selection of food vendors, live music each day, as well as interactive golf-themed games and competitions such as long putt challenges, kid’s fun zone, and chipping contests. These give fans the chance to test their skills and win prizes throughout the week.
Keeping families in mind, the event offers free admission for children under 16, along with a dedicated kids’ zone, face painting, picnic areas, and sweet treats to ensure fun for all ages.
Don’t miss the Pro-Am
One of the week’s most anticipated fixtures, the Pro-Am, will take place on Wednesday, 2 July, featuring a mix of celebrities, sporting icons, and amateur players teeing it up alongside tour professionals. This is free to attend and offers fans an up-close look at the stars in a more relaxed, entertaining setting.
Accessibility is a priority, with free on-site parking provided to all spectators, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience from arrival to final putt. With its stunning parkland setting, the Mark O’Meara-designed course, and a packed programme of golf and entertainment, the 2025 KPMG Women’s Irish Open is set to be an unmissable highlight on Ireland’s sporting calendar.
