Irish sporting legend Leona Maguire swapped her golf clubs for a gown today as she accepted an honorary degree from Ulster University for her contribution to sport.
The County Cavan woman is a two-time LPGA tour winner, who has in recent years cemented her position among golf’s elite. Ranked world No. 1 for a record 135 weeks, Leona was crowned Ladies British Open Amateur Champion in 2017 and has competed in three Olympic Games. She became the first Irish golfer to win an LPGA event in 2022, claimed her second victory at the 2023 Meijer LPGA Classic and breaking into the world’s top 10 rankings. A key figure in multiple Solheim Cup victories for Team Europe, Leona has built a global reputation and prominence as one of golf’s brightest talents.
Becoming a Doctor of Science (DSc), Leona joined thousands of graduates in the Ulster University Class of 2024 who are celebrating their achievements across ceremonies in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry. Among them is an incredible group of inspirational leaders in sports, business, the music industry and contemporary art who have each been recognised by Ulster University, the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2024, with Honorary Doctorate awards