'He's Good For What He Needs To Be' - Leona Maguire Roasts Niall Horan's Golf Game

Appearing on the Late Late Show, Maguire gave her thoughts on the former One Direction star's golf game

Horan hits a shot Maguire chats in a press conference
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Leona Maguire is quickly becoming one of the most talked about players in golf. A recent LPGA Tour win, the 27-year-old also enjoying an undefeated debut at the Solheim Cup, securing 4.5 points out of 5 as she played a pivotal role in Europe's 15 - 13 victory.

On Friday night though, it was away from the course where Maguire showed her class, with an interview on RTE's The Late Late Show producing a humorous moment between Maguire and the show's host, Ryan Tubridy.

Set to appear alongside Maguire, was Modest! Golf Management Founder, Niall Horan (Modest! also manages Maguire). Unfortunately, the singer/songwriter had fallen ill thus, wasn't able to attend the programme. However, that didn't stop the host from asking the Irishwoman about Horan's golf game, providing a funny moment where Maguire said: "He's good for what he needs to be!"

Check out the interview below:

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Maguire, who was on the programme to talk about her recent LPGA Drive On Championship success, as well as her rise up the world rankings, gave a great interview on the long-running show, with one of the highlights being her description of the former One Direction stars golf game.

"He's obsessed with golf, he absolutely loves the game and it's fantastic to have him on my team as well," said Maguire. "I mean... yeah... he's a good golfer, he's good for what he needs to be, but he plays all the time. He's around a 7 or 8 handicap, so he's alright, he can hold his own."

The interview was extremely well received on Twitter, with users commenting: "Great to see Leona Maguire on the show. What she has achieved in such a short space of time as a pro golfer is amazing. She is a credit to her family and her country. What a future she has."

While another said: "Leona Maguire: A class act". It wasn't just users who commented, with Maguire herself sending out a post with the caption: "He’s a better golfer than I am singer that’s for sure @NiallOfficial."

Horan caddies for Rory

Horan caddying for McIlroy at the 2015 Masters

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Horan, who does indeed play off an 8-handicap, has regularly featured at pro-am events, as well as caddying for Rory McIlroy at the Masters par 3 event in 2015. 

Alongside playing, the Irish singer founded the successful Modest! Golf Management company where Maguire, Tyrrell Hatton, Guido Migliozzi, Connor Syme, Olivia Cowan, and Brendan Lawlor are all part of the team.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x