Leona Maguire storms into contention with eight-under round in Saudi Arabia
An At Free: Ladies Ramsey Under International Aramco With Saudi The Bogey Second Moved Round Into Maguire Photo Leona Cardy/sportsfile By Eight Contention
Leona Maguire shot a bogey-free eight-under second round at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International on Friday to move into contention.
The 29-year-old from Cavan had carded a four-over 76 in the opening round but her putter certainly warmed up for the second 18 holes.
Maguire landed four birdies on the front nine and followed that with another four on the back nine.
It leaves her four-under for the tournament and tied for fifth with the second round yet to conclude.
64 (-8) ✍️@leona_maguire has made a massive move in Riyadh.#RaiseOurGame | #GolfAndMore pic.twitter.com/VwvwsWIT69
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) February 16, 2024
In contrast, Rory McIlroy and Seamus Power both had frustrating opening rounds at the Genesis Invitational in California.
McIlroy was going well on three under until he carded a bogey on the 12th, and followed that with a double on the 15th, a triple on the 16th and another single on the final hole. He did manage a birdie on the 17th to finish with a three-over 74.
The front nine at the Riviera Country Club had McIlroy contending for the lead. He will now be worrying about making the cut.
Like McIlroy, Waterford's Power also shot a 74 though his round was inconsistent throughout. He carded three birdies but also six bogeys to finish tied for 64th.
Patrick Cantlay leads the tournament on seven-under while Tiger Woods, making his first start since withdrawing from the Masters last year, shot one-over and is tied for 49th.
