Team Ireland revealed today that Leona Maguire has been battling ‘flu symptoms in the Women’s Olympic Golf Competition in Paris.
After opening with rounds of 78 and 79, the world number 30 carded an 11-over 83 in round three, her highest score as a professional, to sit 59th in the 60-strong field on 24-over par.
Neil Manchip, Golf Ireland’s High Performance Director, explained that Maguire has been feeling unwell “all week”.
“Leona under the weather with flu symptoms; not feeling well at all unfortunately,” Manchip said in a text message.
The Co Cavan golfer tested negative for Covid-19 test after a round that featured a quadruple bogey eight at the 15th and a triple bogey six at the 16th as well as six bogeys and two birdies.
Stephanie Meadow, meanwhile, birdied the 18th to card a battling level par 72 that left her tied for 44th on eight-over
“Yeah, much better, trending in the right direction,”’ said Meadow, who mixed birdies at the 10th, 14th, 16th and 18th with bogeys at the fourth, fifth, 13th and 15th.
“A lot of fighting out there today. It wasn’t pretty but I got the job done.”
Remarking on the difficulty of Le Golf National, she added: “The rough is very penal and you’ve got to keep it in the short stuff.
“Hit some really good shots and chipped in twice today. That helped. Couldn’t get the putter going. Overall, decent day and maybe I can get under par tomorrow and move up some more.”
Meadow played in the group just behind Maguire and she was grateful for the support from a strong Irish gallery.
“That was great,” the Jordanstown golfer said. “Back-to-back groups were Ireland, which was great.
“You see all the flags and cheers, and I saw a lot of familiar faces from back-in-the-day golf. You know, old Team Ireland staff. It was really fun to see them out again.
“You’re wearing a flag and you’re playing for your country. Trying to do my best and playing for pride at this point.”
Meadow planned to watch Tallaght’s Rhasidat Adeleke compete in the women’s 400 metre final later this evening.
“Absolutely,” she said. “We’ve had a busy few days. It’s nice to put the feet up for a bit but yes, we will be watching.
“I think a nice dinner all together and try to get ready for tomorrow.”