IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BMW IRELAND
Every summer, the KPMG Women’s Irish Open brings together the world’s finest female golfers for a week of elite competition and unforgettable moments on The K Club’s Palmer South Course in Kildare …
It’s a full day out for the whole family – bring a picnic and watch the golfers, then enjoy some entertainment on the main stage. This year, Irish Women in Harmony will perform with Una Healy in the Family Village on August 30.
As for the competition, a record-breaking nine Irish professionals will tee up along with seven Irish amateur players, all competing for the €450,000 prize fund. Leona Maguire, the only Irish woman to win on the LPGA Tour, will be in the line-up. She says, “It’s a really special week for me personally, playing at home in front of the Irish fans, and having brands like BMW supporting the event is hugely important in helping the tournament and women’s golf continue to grow.”
Leona’s route to the top began early. “My dad introduced my twin sister Lisa and me to golf when we were really young. We grew up playing together in Ireland, so golf was always a big part of our family life. We were both very competitive, which definitely helped push us along, but most importantly we just loved being out there playing and trying to get better.
From there, I started playing more junior golf and competing in tournaments, and it naturally progressed. Golf Ireland were incredible in supporting me through those early years and helping me develop as a player. I was very fortunate to have that support, alongside my family and many other people who helped give me the opportunities to see how far I could take the game.”
Her father remains a key mentor as has Golf Ireland. Leona acknowledges, “There have been many other people along the way too — coaches, teammates and people behind the scenes — who have all played a part in helping me develop both as a player and a person. I’ve been very fortunate to have such a strong group of people supporting me throughout my career.”
Memorable moments not only include the LPGA Tour in 2024, but also the Solheim Cup, which Leona says has given her some of her best memories in golf. “Representing Europe and Ireland on the biggest stages is something I’m very proud of.”
She’s also proud to be a BMW Friend of the Brand. “It’s been a really natural partnership. I get to experience the cars, attend some fantastic BMW events and work with the team throughout the year.”
It’s a seamless fit as Leona’s values and the ethos of BMW are in alignment. “For me, BMW is all about performance, attention to detail and always trying to improve. Those are values that translate really well into my own career and golf.”
Comfort and enjoyment are key factors too: “With the amount of travelling I do, that combination of performance and comfort is important.”
Leona has had the opportunity to experience a wide selection of BMW models. Asked about her favourite, she says; “That’s a difficult one because I’ve been lucky enough to drive quite a few! I’ve really enjoyed the electric models, particularly the iX. It’s incredibly comfortable, has loads of space for all my golf equipment and luggage, and for the longer journeys I do throughout the season it’s a great car to travel in.”
She is also impressed by the details. “The technology is really innovative, but it still feels clean and simple inside, which I really like. The tech keeps moving forward, but BMW does a great job of making everything feel intuitive rather than complicated. The iX3 is a great example of that.” Leona has transitioned to electric cars without difficulty. “They’re incredibly smooth and quiet, and once you get used to electric driving and charging, it becomes very easy.”
Need to know: KPMG Women’s Irish Open 2026 takes place from August 27 to 30 at The K Club. Tickets costs €25 and children go free.
