Golfer Leona Maguire: The learning process never ends

Such is the way with competitive sports: you win some, you lose some.

Maguire’s favourite quote reflects her philosophical approach to competitive sports: ‘Perfection is not attainable, but if you chase perfection, you may catch excellence.’

Reflecting on the past year, she says: “[I] cannot believe I’ve completed another season on the LPGA tour.

“Lots to work on over the winter months, but I’m already excited for what 2025 is going to have in store.”

The Cavan woman is clear about her goals, saying she hopes to swing into the new year and “contend in the major championships and move up the world rankings.”

How do you stay fit?

I enjoy working out in the gym, lifting weights and maintaining good flexibility.

Do you have a morning routine?

I like to get up early every day and start my morning with a gym workout.

What is one thing you do every day?

I like to reach out and check in with friends and family.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I like to incorporate protein into every meal and especially some Kinetica whey protein after working out in the gym.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Watching Netflix shows.

What keeps you awake at night?

I’m an early bird, so probably just planning for the next day: what to do in my gym session and what I intend to work on with my coach in the practice session.

How do you relax?

I really enjoy going on walks with my dogs, Simba and Nala.

What’s your dream meal?

Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Who are your sporting heroes?

Katie Taylor and Padraig Harrington.

What is your biggest fear?

Snakes.

What is your favourite smell?

Freshly baked cookies.

What is your earliest memory?

Playing sports and games outside with my [twin] sister, Lisa, [who also played golf professionally but retired in 2019].

What traits do you least like in others?

Dishonesty and being unkind.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I can be quite stubborn at times.

What do you wish you knew when you were younger?

The learning process never ends.

Do you pray?

Yes, I try to as often as I can.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

Talking to my friends and family.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Serena Williams and Tiger Woods.

Has climate change impacted how you live your life?

It has definitely led to unpredictability in the weather, and we have seen this throughout the year with extreme weather conditions in the various countries in which we play.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

At home with my family.

What’s something nobody knows about you?

I really enjoy cooking and baking in my free time.