Irish golfer Leona Maguire made a striking impression at the 2025 Scottish Open with new caddie Phil Morbey, combining her talent with his extensive experience to produce an outstanding performance. The pairing started impressively when Maguire eagled her opening hole and followed it with a bogey-free 67 to share the early lead, signaling the powerful potential of this fresh collaboration.
While many players struggle with mid-season caddie changes, Maguire’s success challenges that notion. Morbey, boasting 44 years of professional caddying, brings a wealth of knowledge accumulated from 41 career wins with nine different golfers, including a Masters victory alongside Ian Woosnam in 1991. His experience spans eight Ryder Cups from 1987 to 2010, where he supported some of the game’s biggest names like José María Olazábal, Darren Clarke, Justin Rose, and Tommy Fleetwood.
Phil Morbey’s Rich Experience and Its Impact on Maguire’s Game
Phil Morbey’s arrival marks his first venture into women’s professional golf, yet his debut could not have been more successful. His history of working with elite players and managing high-pressure situations is expected to benefit Maguire as she prepares for the upcoming AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl. Morbey’s familiarity with Ping equipment also aligns naturally with Maguire’s preferences, potentially strengthening their collaboration further.
Their connection came about through Modest Golf management, which represents both Maguire and Thorbjørn Olesen. When Olesen’s schedule freed up, Morbey became available to join Maguire, reflecting the increased investment in caddie roles within women’s golf. This partnership not only adds a steadying influence to Maguire’s game but also brings vital technical and strategic support.
After her opening round, Maguire praised her new caddie:
“He’s a legend of the game,”
and added,
“He’s caddied for some big players. I have big shoes to fill but nice to have his expertise and experience on the bag.”
—Leona Maguire
Tracing Leona Maguire’s Caddie History: Growth Through Change
Leona Maguire’s relationship with her caddies reveals a thoughtful evolution shaped by growth and adaptation. Her most fruitful period was alongside Dermot Byrne, who joined her in June 2021. Together, they secured two LPGA titles, one Ladies European Tour win, and played a dominant role in two Solheim Cup appearances. Notable achievements during this era include the 2022 Drive On Championship and the 2023 Meijer LPGA Classic victories, as well as a historic success at the 2024 Aramco Team Series in London.
However, after struggling through three missed cuts in four major championships, including the Evian Championship, Maguire decided to part ways with Byrne. She explained the difficult choice, stating,
“It wasn’t something that I wanted to do but kind of had to do,”
—Leona Maguire
Subsequently, Maguire worked with Verners Tess for eight months and then Shane O’Connell throughout early 2025, before briefly reuniting with Byrne. This series of changes underscores her ongoing quest for the ideal partnership that would support her rising career.
Phil Morbey’s Role in Maguire’s Next Chapter and Major Championship Ambitions
Morbey now represents the latest chapter in Maguire’s journey, offering extensive experience at the highest levels of golf. His calming presence suits Maguire’s aggressive playing style, creating a balanced partnership poised to influence Maguire’s form ahead of vital tournaments. This collaboration could also be pivotal for her standing within the European Solheim Cup team, especially as she aims to regain confidence from team leadership after recent challenges.
The Scottish Open suggested the duo’s chemistry is immediate and effective, with Maguire showing restored confidence under Morbey’s guidance. Next week’s AIG Women’s Open will test their ability to translate this promising start into major championship success. Early indications hint that this legendary caddie-player combination has the potential to become a defining force in Maguire’s career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What rank is Leona Maguire?
A. Maguire is now ranked 174th in the world, moving up 440 spots since she became a professional. On October 6, she earned her LPGA Tour card for the 2020 season by finishing seventh on the Symetra Tour’s money list.