Gary Murphy believes Leona Maguire's maiden LPGA Tour win is "huge for Irish women's golf" and that the Cavan woman is now a realistic contender for major honours.
The 27-year-old former world amateur number one became the first Irish winner on the US tour with a three-shot victory at the Drive On Championship in Florida on Saturday, which earned her $225,000.
Murphy, who competed on the men's European Tour for over a decade, thinks it was only a matter of time given the Solheim Cup hero's skillset.
"It's huge," he told RTÉ Sport. "I guess we all knew it was going to happen but until it actually does it’s not a reality.
"And to do it in her second start of the year, coming off such a huge season last year where she really settled on the LPGA Tour and had an amazing Solheim Cup, is phenomenal. With a little bit of ease as well, it was kind of cruise control.
"She's unbelievably accurate. Her fairways and tee to green are all in the high 70s percentile, which is not normal. She’s an exceptionally good putter as well but the big thing she has is an incredible mind.
"She’s highly intelligent and has a great head on her shoulders. Lots of really talented amateurs struggle with the emotion of turning professional and all that goes with it. So I would say her biggest asset is between the ears.
"She’s a very mature young woman and I can only see good things going forward. It’s great for Irish women’s golf."
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Is Maguire now a realistic major contender?
"There’s no doubt. In anything you’ve got to walk before you can run so this is her major at the moment.
"I think she was 37th in the world this should move her into the top 20.
"It’s the first ever Irish winner on the LPGA tour. We’ve only had six winners on the men’s tour in America.
"She’s competing in the toughest tour in the world. It’s very difficult surroundings.
"Let’s hope majors are there in the future but I think she can just enjoy this moment and try to become a multiple winner this year.
"If that happens to be a major, even better."
