Cavan's Lisa Maguire moved a step closer to securing her place on the European Junior Solheim Cup team.

Maguire twins set for Knightsbrook showpiece

Published: Wed 3 Aug 2011, 9:30 AM

Last updated: Wed 3 Aug 2011, 1:28 PM

Ireland and Cavan golfing sensations Leona and Lisa Maguire moved a step closer towards securing their places in the European team for the Junior Solheim Cup at Knightsbrook Hotel Spa and Golf Resort, Trim in September. The 16 year-old twins who play from the Ballyconnell Slieve Russell club claimed the top two places on the European Junior Solheim Cup ranking after fine performances in the 2011 International European Ladies Amateur Championship at a windswept Noordwijkse Golf Club in Holland. With just one counting event to go, the Girls' British Open Championship at Gullane from Monday 8th to Friday 12th August, the twins can start to dream about playing against the leading Americans in front of their home fans. It would be their second appearance in the biennial contest, having made their debuts as 14 year-olds during the USA's 15 ½ - 8 ½ victory over Europe in the 2009 match at Aurora Golf Club in Illinois. Lisa travelled to Holland in fourth place on the European Junior Solheim Cup ranking but moved up to second, behind sister Leona, after a spectacular performance at Noordwijkse when she defied near gale force winds in the last round to claim the title with a five over par aggregate of 293. Her four rounds of 73, 68, 73 and 79 confirmed Lisa as the first Irish woman to claim the International European Amateur Championship title and, to cap a great weekend for the Irish, compatriot Stephanie Meadow was second on 297 and sister Leona was fourth on 300. All eyes now turn to the last counting event, the Girls' British Open Championship at Gullane, after which the top-six on the European Junior Solheim Cup ranking will earn automatic places in the team to tee up at Knightsbrook. A further six wild card players will then be selected before Monday 15th August. The American side is to be announced on August 2. The Junior Solheim Cup, which is open to girls born in 1993 or later, always takes place immediately ahead of the Solheim Cup, which will be played at Killeen Castle from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th September.