Leona Maguire, Ireland’s golf star, stepped onto the Olympic stage with high hopes. But as she navigated the challenging course, a disappointing opening round of 78 left her reeling—six over par and 13 shots off the lead. Despite the upsetting start, one person remained steadfast in her support, a constant presence with her every step of the way. So who’s “Mam”?

The one person is none other than her 97-year-old grandmother, affectionately known as “Mam.” Hailing from County Cavan, Ireland, Leona Maguire’s love for golf was nurtured by her tight-knit family, with Mam being her biggest cheerleader every step of the way. “Mam is a wonderful lady, she’s just a great person. She’s 97, nearly 98 and she has had a long, good life. She’s been watching Ross and will now watch Leona, as she competes,” Leona Maguire’s uncle Colm told the Irish Independent. 

The 29-year-old’s heart remains rooted in her grandmother’s love and guidance. According to her uncle, Leona regularly visits her grandmother, spending quiet days at her home and sharing stories of her adventures, which brings immense joy to Mam. And in these tender moments, the Irish professional finds solace and strength, drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s unwavering support and unconditional love. 

Moreover, she isn’t the only grandchild that her grandma backs at the Paris Olympics. Mam has already watched her grandson, Ross Corrigan, make his Olympic debut last week. However, the Fermanagh rower and his boatmate missed out on a medal in the men’s pair after finishing in sixth place. “I was with her one morning watching Ross and she was absolutely delighted when he went through to the next stage.” Said her uncle.

With her grandmother’s relentless support and her own determination, the two-time LPGA champ had set her sights on the ultimate prize in golf. 

Leona Maguire’s golden dream within reach?

Leona Maguire’s difficult opening round seems fatal for her ‘ultimate dream’. Despite a strong finish with birdies on the 12th, 16th, and 18th holes, she still faces an uphill task.  Moreover, the front nine holes proved the most challenging part, with a double bogey on the first hole and a triple bogey on the ninth. 

However, Leona’s resilience and Olympic dreams remain intact. Additionally, her supportive family has rallied around her, with twin sister Lisa, who handles her management, and parents Declan and Breda Magiure, all making the trip to France to cheer her on as she chases her lifelong dream.

Her mother told The Anglo-Celt. “So to get a medal at the Olympics would be the ultimate goal for her.….. At the end of the day, for anybody that participates in sport and takes pride in their country, that’s the dream, to get a medal at the Olympics. It’s the dream.” 

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Surrounded by loved ones cheering her on, Leona Maguire is ready to tackle the challenges ahead. But will she make her Olympic dreams a reality? Or will she have to wait for the next Olympics in Los Angeles? Tell us in the comments section below.