Ashleigh Buhai leads British Open heading into final round

Ashleigh Buhai charged to a five-shot lead at the AIG Women’s Open after firing a 7-under 64 in the event’s third round Saturday.

The South African golfer carded eight birdies despite the blustery conditions at Muirfield to amass a sizeable advantage heading into Sunday’s final round.

Relentless.

Ashleigh Buhai chips in for an eighth birdie of the day 🤯

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— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 6, 2022

“Obviously I’m very pleased. To be able to I think shoot that score in those conditions, you have to be able to pat yourself on the back,” said Buhai after her impressive third round. “So much so that I thought I was 6-under, not 7, so I was 8-under playing the last, which I think I have to look back is probably one of the best rounds of golf I’ve ever played.”

At 14- under, Buhai sits in front of Hinako Shibuno and Chun In-gee, who are tied for second at 9-under. With the British Open trophy within reach, Buhai will need to keep her head to close out the final round and clinch her first major title.

“I don’t think you can ever be comfortable in a major whether you’re coming from behind or leading. It’s going to be another tough day. The wind is going to blow, which is good. I prefer it that way,” said Buhai “But they say big leads are often more difficult, and I think because you try to maybe play defensively. But I think I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and sticking to those steps.”

The AIG Women’s Open would mark Buhai’s first LPGA Tour win in 221 starts.